Focused work is not easy these days. Distractions abound, notifications come fast, and putting time into the essential things is difficult. Ministry, though often centered around people, requires time to prepare, grow deeper, study, and accomplish tasks related to vision and direction.
We must do our best work and focus for this high calling of serving in the church.
Here are a few things I learned from the book Hyperfocus: How to Manage Your Attention in a World of Distraction by Chris Bailey.
Fight the distractions.
One study noted that every 40 seconds, our focus is taken away if we are working on a computer or have our phone nearby. And we can’t accomplish many meaningful tasks in under 40 seconds. To work for an extended time, you must turn off notifications, put your phone in another location, and set your laptop to “do no disturb mode.” You can also create the environment that will most help you focus – closed door, possible music through headphones, etc. There are enough distractions in our mind that we must do all we can to eliminate outside, often empty distractions, dings, and notifications that derail our intention.
Focus on three things.
In our busy world, we find ourselves trying to focus on many things. The more we have to do, the more we scurry. But busyness doesn’t mean we’re getting more accomplished. Our mind’s “attentional space” can only hold about three things at any given time, so if we’re thinking about numerous things and trying to multitask our focus, we’re not going to get very far. Productivity isn’t about cramming more into our days but doing the right things. Setting your intentions for the day or the time you have is essential. Determine what needs to be done and what is most important. Focus on this work.
Declutter your environment.
Focus is a precious commodity and can bring incredible fruit to our lives and work. But having our physical and digital space in upheaval will bring chaos to our work and minds. Create the conditions that allow focus to work for you. Such things as a clean and tidy workspace, natural light, live plants (possibly), focus music, noise-canceling headphones, or comfortable chairs can help bring about a great environment. You have control over how tidy you keep your desk and workspace. It’s better to do a bit of tidying each day, so you start fresh each morning. As far as your digital space goes, keep your laptop and phones up to date with prominent places for each file. And keep your intentional items for the day in a place where you can see them.
Be very specific with your objectives.
Sometimes, our goals are so vague that we’re unsure where to begin. I like how the author explains:
- “Go to the gym” becomes “Schedule and go to the gym on my lunch break.”
- “Quit working when I get home” is reframed as “Put my phone on airplane mode and my work laptop in another space to stay disconnected for the evening.
- “Get to bed by a reasonable time” becomes “Set a bedtime alarm for 9:30 p.m., and start winding down when it goes off.”
Being specific about our intentions, plans, and goals will allow our brains to help us take action steps for the day or the moment. When attached overall goals, those steps will help us in the long run.
Invest in your well-being and happiness.
Things like regular Sabbath rhythms, community with good friends, healthy sleep, and eating are all part of the good disciples that help shape us and our work. When you’re happier and positive, your brain’s “attentional space” expands. On the other hand, unhappy people are less productive across the board because a lousy mood decreases your attentional space.
Happiness, contentment, and a good mood will help you see more possibilities; focus on the work you need to accomplish; come up with creative solutions; and approach your intentions with more purpose, energy, and focus. You can recall more information on the fly; and combine ideas and input into new creative ideas.
