Rethink the way you approach your to-do list.
There’s a reason why time management has become an unattainable and insufficient approach to productivity for many people.
But why should anyone be expected to be able “manage” time?
Time is an indefinite, autonomic construct, and therefore inherently unmanageable.
(Cue the anxiety and self-scolding.)
What youcando instead, is reframe how you think productivity should be achieved.
The issue, as Thomas points out, is that it’s easythe easiestto break an appointment with yourself.
Who’s going to stop you?
Thomas recommends only utilizing your calendar for things that have a “strong relationship to time.”
These are your appointments with other people, events, deadlines for projects due.
“But the reason we fail at it now is because we have so many distractions.”
What does it mean to manage your attention?
Focused and Mindful
“This second bucket is sort of the polar opposite,” Thomas says.
The focused and mindful state is one in which you are actively concentrating.
This is the most obvious headspace to tap into so you can be your most productive and efficient self.
), and it often can be.
“you might’t command yourself to have an insight, a new idea, or solve a problem.
It’s only in those quiet moments when those things can happen.
But really, the exact opposite is true.”
In other words, without even realizing it, you’re in the zone.
The perfect mental place for productivity, right?
But how do you get there first thing in the morning when you’re sleepy and foggy?
Or around noon when the pile of tasks on your plate is officially overwhelming?
You take back control.
People arealwaysgoing to interrupt you," explains Thomas.
As Thomas puts it: Attention is the antidote to distraction.
Instead of letting distractions control you, recognize your own agency over them.
You have to tell them," Thomas insists.
That is an example of controlling your environment."
Every notification banner, number, dot, ping, or DM, is designed to snatch your attention.
They do a good job of it, too, but you have more control than you think.
Yes, even if the very task you’re working on is email.
Turn your attention to new emails onlyafteryou’ve responded to the existing messages you set out to answer.
Put it on Do Not Disturb, silent, and face-downor even better, out of sight somewhere.
If you’re someone who likesbackground noise, be careful what you choose to listen to.
“Everyone is different, but studies show that, in general, that’s super distracting.
The most distracting thing to people is the sound of other people’s voices,” Thomas says.
This is where time and attention go hand in hand.
Hone in on each with your full attention until they’re finished.
“People ask me a lot, ‘Are we addicted to our devices?’
“All the apps on our phones…are designed to steal our attention.”
We’re essentially trained to be distracted at every turn.
“We’ve become habituated to distraction,” Thomas believes.
Well, maybe you don’t right now, but you’ve got the option to.”
