We are living in an era where we can do almost everything online. Be it studying, working and even for mere entertainment. The list of possibilities in the online world is endless. It is made possible with the increased access to the internet by corporations, schools, and households.
Say, you were looking for cardiology fellowship application programs , and a notification from your social media account pops up, how would you react? While the internet is a hub for extensive information, it can also act as a distraction and impede one’s productivity.
The little interjections that cause you to Google the latest songs, or check your Twitter feed can be harmful to one’s productivity. Yes, it may seem like it just a few wasted minutes, but they add up over time. So, what do we do online that hinders our productivity in the tasks we need to do?
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Opening many Tabs
Many of us fall culprit to this, especially when conducting research online. In the attempt to find relevant information on personal statements writing services, one tends to open multiple tabs. It isn’t wrong to seek out specific information that meets one’s needs.
However, having to go through all those opened pages will consume your time. It also increases one’s workload. You have to skim through the different tabs to pinpoint the bits of information that you are looking for.
It gives you little time to internalize any of the information gathered. Try and minimize the number of tabs that you open when conducting research online. As you skim through the opened pages, you can close those that don’t add value to your search.
It is also common for one to browse without purpose. In that, you keep opening a new tab and reading through it. Depending on your browser, especially Google Chrome, you may receive a pop up of an article that intrigues your interest.
You may try to ignore it for a while, but as your interest peaks, you find yourself clicking on the link, wanting to know more about the article. If you were already working on something, it could be difficult to go back to the same state of focus for a while.
Some tools can aid you in blocking access to particular platforms as you work. If your work doesn’t include research, you can also do so to the browser. You can even set your limits on the length of time the software should block specific sites.
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Being Online 24/7
Well, we all want to be up to date with the latest trends in our industry, the most recent office gossip or news. Just because you are online at all times, doesn’t mean that you are the most informed individual. No one can consume all the data available on the internet in a day. We have algorithms and software for that.
You need to take breaks away from technology each day. Ideally, two hours before your bedtime will do. When the craving to check your Facebook account, kicks in, you have to be strong and stand your ground. Switch off the data on your phone or turn off your laptop.
Even though you may have put the devices away, they may still keep your brain active. It is more than merely ditching your devices at certain times of the day. You have to stop yourself from thinking about them too.
In the early morning, as you wake up, do you feel the need to check your social media platforms? Choose to delight in the solitude, peace that the morning offers. If you have to go online, then, do so when you need to work.
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Constantly checking your email
If you don’t fancy seeing the number of your unread emails pile up, you probably refresh your email on a regular basis. It is true that you have to maintain correspondence throughout the working hours. However, you need to set time for checking your emails at specific points in time of the day.
You don’t have to stop working every time a new email in your inbox. Most of the times, they are not as important as what you are working on. If the email isn’t urgent, then, it can wait. You don’t have to open every junk that comes your way.
Schedule time to correspond to your emails. It could be early in the morning, over the lunch break or later in the evening. If your duties involve responding to emails; you can at least wait until there are more than five unread emails.
Don’t let the emails compromise your focus. Discipline yourself and take control of your time. Finish the task you are currently working it. You need to have time to work on your priorities, even if others need your attention.
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Using too many tools for the same tasks
The numerous advancements in technology help us in making our duties lighter than before. You no longer have to worry too much about your writing prowess as you can use a Grammar Checker to identify errors and give you recommendations. If you have ideas that you would like to look at later, you can store them on your smartphone.
Some tools carry out the same tasks, and others complement each other. If you can find a tool whose features satisfy all your needs, then go for it. You don’t have to use different tools that carry out the same task. Even if you want to be perfect, there’s only so much you can do.
Rather than multitask on the tasks at hand, it will be with the tools. It consumes your valuable time. Where possible, opt for those that can easily sync with each other. You don’t have to repeat the same steps or more using the various tools that you have.
If you are looking for a grammar Checker that also acts as a plagiarism checker for your personal statement for fellowships, you can try Grammarly.
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Not Automating
If your daily work routine involves repeated tasks, you should consider automating them. If you have follow-up emails that you need to send, don’t do it manually. Manual entry or carrying out of processes can lead to errors. Theirs is a better way called automation.
With automation, you improve productivity as you can complete the tasks quickly. Probably you have to send the same type of emails every day. Why don’t you create some templates that you can edit if and when it suits the occasion?
It will save you time and reduce the possibility of errors. It’s no secret that the mind can tire from carrying out repetitive tasks. Give it a break and focus on other things. The more functions you automate, the more you will be able to accomplish in a day.
When choosing the ideal automation tool, opt for one that offers an all-in-one solution. Different tools for the same tasks will only waste your time, as in the previous point.
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Being Super Connected
Are you available via your social media accounts and smartphone? If you are, you need to disconnect yourself. All these outlets of connection will only decrease your productivity. You have to read every email notification that pops up.
Or you keep checking and responding to the messages on your Facebook Messenger account. With your phone connected online, you increase the temptation to check out for every update on the web. You can choose to switch off your phone if you have to.
Turn off the phone’s Wifi connection. There’s life without the distractions on the internet. Focus on the tasks at hand. You can check your twitter feed maybe when you need a break from accomplishing a difficult task.
Take a walk instead, let your mind re-energize for the next task. If you have the problem of being available for every office meeting, you need to refrain from that. Don’t always click the button for accepted, each time an email invite for a meeting pops up.
Most of the time you end up attending one where the people who ought to be in attendance aren’t present. Know when to say no and when to suck it up, and attend, especially if it is a meeting with someone in upper management or your supervisor.
Conclusion
The internet is fantastic and useful, but it can also be the reason that kills your productivity. You have to learn to draw the line between essential and unimportant tasks. What is it that you have to do now and that which you can tackle later?
Don’t be a perfectionist. It doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t give your best in all that you do. If you keep checking your emails, refrain from it. Set a specific time to go through the unread emails. Block notifications from popping up as you work.
If you can’t contain yourself and you find yourself checking your social media accounts, you can just switch off your phone.
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