One freezing morning, while walking my dog Lucy Jane on an empty street, my thoughts were spinning out of control: deadlines, global crises, environmental worries, even Lucy’s kibble preferences. My overwhelmed mind refused to settle.
Thankfully, it was a swim day. Less than two hours later, I dove into my local pool for my usual 43 laps. For those 40 minutes, I focused solely on my swim form and counting laps. By the end, my chaotic thoughts had calmed, and I was ready to take on the day with clarity.
That morning taught me a valuable lesson: limiting the inputs in my environment—both visual and auditory—is essential for staying focused and productive as a lawyer.
A Distracted Mind Works Less Effectively
Having attention deficit disorder, which worsened after a concussion, I’ve learned how stress exacerbates distractions. Stress, whether internal or external, disrupts focus, leaving work unfinished and amplifying the pressure.
Research shows that after an interruption, it takes an average of 25 minutes to refocus on the original task. That’s a significant amount of wasted time, especially when every billable minute counts. Managing distractions is crucial to maintaining efficiency.
Simplifying Tasks for Better Workflow
At work, I rely on a master spreadsheet to track all client matters, but its sheer volume of information can be overwhelming. To stay focused, I created a pared-down Word document with a simple list of tasks for the week. This minimalist approach keeps me organized and prevents mental overload.
Managing Noise for a Focused Mind
Noise is one of my biggest distractions. To combat this, I’ve adopted strategies to limit auditory disruptions:
- Phone Settings: I keep my direct office line on “Do Not Disturb” unless expecting a call and encourage emails over voicemails.
- Computer and Smartphone: I mute computer notifications and keep phone alerts limited to essentials, like texts from my litigation partner.
- Physical Environment: A fan adds white noise, and I close my office door when the building gets noisy.
One of my best tools is a pair of bone-conducting headphones. Paired with a playlist of energizing but non-distracting music, they help me stay focused even while moving around the office.
Back to Basics
Limiting distractions and simplifying tasks have transformed how I approach my work. Sometimes, the simplest solutions—like a task list and noise control—are the most effective in maintaining focus and productivity.
