It’s easy to think of procrastination as something directly related to your IDENTITY especially when you are working on something and you are not in the mood to do it. 

“I’m a procrastinator.”

“I can’t stick with a schedule.”

“It’s just who I am.”

But procrastination is often more related to MOOD than personality. And if you struggle to stick to a schedule or find yourself losing the discipline to stick with a project before it’s done…

…Or even get it started at all…

…A Key Area To Look Is Your “Mood Management” Skillset.

We all have bad days.

We all have times where we don’t “feel like” working. 

But the high achievers, the most productive folks among us, get things done day in and day out. Rain or shine. No matter what’s going on in their lives or the greater world around them.

Think of it this way.

If your grandmother passed away this morning, how much work do you think you’d get done? How difficult would it be to stick with your schedule if you found out you had a chronic illness (even if there were no physical effects yet)?

Do you see how staying on task has a lot to do with how you FEEL?

Given that life will always have its ups and downs and our moods will go up and down with it…

Here Are Some Tips Entrepreneurs And Online Workers Can Use To Stay On Track Even When They “Don’t Feel Like It.”

Mood Cure #1: Master The Art Of State Change

Mastering your mind state is key to gaining more control over your mood swings, so bad days or bad moods don’t throw you off.

We all work with our own unique emotional landscape; however, there are many predictable ways to put yourself in a better mood instantly that work for most people Even when you don’t know what the source of your emotional sticking point is yet. 

For example:

• Listen to music that you love. You may want to keep a playlist on hand just for these moments.
• Take a break. Sometimes if you’re not feeling the work, all you need is a little time away. Come back when you’re “feeling it” more.
• Call a friend or accountability partner. Or call a client or colleague and talk about the project a bit. 
• Keep a file of motivational videos/audios on hand.
• Practice meditation, breathing exercises, or gratitude to get more control over your mind and emotions. You can then turn to these whenever you need to!
• Take a cold shower.
• Jump up and down, shout, act crazy. Yes, I’m serious. Tony Robbins emphasizes this type of state change, especially at his wildly popular seminars, where he gets thousands of attendees to do this at once.

Mood Cure #2: Establish Work Patterns To Create Unstoppable Momentum

Implementing work rituals that you go through every time you sit down to focus can help to create a mood-setting pattern that you can turn on even when you don’t feel like doing anything.

By putting your “work brain” on autopilot as much as possible, it’s easier to “tune out” of everyday noise and fire it up for action when enthusiasm for action is low.

There are a lot of tricks here to help you leverage rituals to “just get going.”

One little habit to kickstart momentum makes it easier to jump right into work (even when you don’t want to).

Sit down, open a file, set a clock for 5 minutes, and then just start… doing. Make it as mindless as possible. Again, the trick is to do it everyday so it becomes a ritual.

Once you do get going, you’re thinking about the work more than your worries and you sort of lose yourself.

I know one guy who only holds himself to doing 2 hours of work every day. He doesn’t even take one day off! 2 hours is a low enough bar that he can always motivate himself. And it establishes a momentum he never loses with a day off.

Some days  he puts in twice that time, or takes off on a work marathon. But either way, he puts in his two hours, and his pattern is a procrastination killer that very rarely lets him down.

Ritual in action!

Mood Cure #3: Find Other Ways To Invigorate Yourself With Movement

Tony’s method is about EXTREME movements…

..But moving on a more basic level deserves special mention too because it has such a powerful effect on your emotional landscape. Yes, move, move, move, and move some more!

I highly recommend just taking a break when you’re down sometimes and just doing something to get your blood pumping. Do some jumping jacks, a set of pushups, or put on your running shoes and go for a jog.

If your schedule is flexible, stop work and go to the gym. It can radically change your day!

And if physical exercise is a part of your daily routine, that will spill over into your daily mood as well.

Pick something simple and mindless and start there.

Simply sitting in front of a computer all day doesn’t exactly put you in peak state.

Mood Cure #4: Delegate Tasks You Don't Enjoy

Often “not being in the mood” is just about boredom.

And a low level of enthusiasm for the work.

Even if that’s not the source of your low enthusiasm on this particular day, well, it’s still MUCH easier to “break out of” a bad mood if you can get motivated enough to sit down and get the ball rolling. And that will happen a lot easier when you actually LIKE the work.

On the other hand, it can be pretty hard to motivate yourself if your day is bogged down with trivial tasks you hate.

In “The Four-Hour Workweek,” Tim Ferris popularized the idea of outsourcing lower level tasks online. Thanks to online technology, specialization, and geo-arbitrage it can be pretty cost-effective these days (even if you’re an employee yourself).

Check out platforms like Fiverr and Upwork to find quality help at an affordable rate.

Hand off your most uninspiring work. Focus only on what really invigorates and inspires you.

Setting yourself up for the most enjoyable work makes it easier to escape into a state of flow.

Mood Cure #5: Or Just Change Your Environment

Sometimes this can be as simple as packing up your bag and heading to another room, or a coffee shop down the road.

Just for the change of scenery. 

It might involve moving to a new house! Or hey, a new country! 

But you should also just control your current work environment as much as possible. Is anything in your environment creating emotional friction between you and your work? Is anything about your work environment irritating you?

People barging in? Put a lock on the door and set rules with family and friends about your work-time.

Traffic noises? Get some noise-canceling headphones.

Office feel stuffy? Open the windows, scatter plants across the room, and hang some beautiful pictures of scenes that inspire you.

Get a more comfortable office chair if that’s what it takes. Your comfort and satisfaction while working is paramount!

Mood Cure #6: Eat Some Ice Cream.

I mean, who can eat ice cream without ending up in a better mood, right?  

I’m half kidding here. 

And be careful… Because too much sugar can actually have a negative effect on mood and energy. 

But the point is sometimes a small treat is a great way to perk yourself up. You could even use it as a reward for finishing the first hour or two of work if you’re really struggling to start.

For some people a “treat” might be a massage. Or a spin down a country road in their car or motorcycle. 

You can even treat these mood-boosting “treats” as rewards by making yourself accomplish a little bit of work first.

Have fun with it. Work doesn’t always have to be so serious!

Mood Cure #7: But... Control Your Vices Too

People who struggle with low energy, poor mood, and chronic procrastination are often caught in negative cycles that are affecting their mood (maybe more than they’d care to acknowledge). 

For example, alcohol.

This one is really common because in our society we don’t really think of it as a drug.

But it certainly is one and even known to be a depressant. So, if you binge drink a lot, it might help to pay attention to how it’s affecting your mood and your energy levels. You may very well notice a strong correlation between the weekend highs and a low that stretches from Sunday, perhaps all the way to Tuesday or Wednesday, with some early week procrastination problems.

This doesn’t just apply to alcohol — it just makes a great example because it’s a very common vice.

Excess caffeine, tobacco, or sugar intake can also make you irritable. Even food, especially carbs or sugar, consumed in excess may leave you sluggish and down.

C’mon… We know this stuff ALREADY, right? I accept that.

However, if you’re finding yourself in lethargic, crabby moods, it might be time to ask yourself if you’ve been listening to the “things you know.”

Or just “knowing” them.

Mood Cure #8: Listen To What Your Body Tells You

As the alcohol example might suggest, your moods are often closely tied to your physiology.

If you find yourself irritable, tired, or depressed… Maybe your body is telling you something. And maybe you should listen?

Sometimes it’s not eating, for example. 

I’m a big believer in the powerful effects of fasting. But you may find that eating your first meal too late in the day results in you starting to get moody around noon. In a situation like this, you might find a decent meal is all it takes to brighten the day again. If so, reconsider your fasting hours or the breadth of your eating window.

Lack of sleep is another common culprit, especially in our hustle culture. Take a nap! A quick 30 minutes may be all it takes to get you up and at em’ again.

Monitor your sleep patterns over all. Modern society tells us that it’s natural to wake up early to an alarm every single day. And staying up late into the night, our houses lit up with artificial light.

Hint… it’s not!

If sleep seems to be a problem, try maintaining a more regular, earlier bedtime. If your schedule affords it, try doing away with the alarm completely and sleeping with your curtain open. Let the sun wake you instead of that blaring, unnatural alarm clock. 

I use this sunrise alarm clock to wake up naturally everyday by 6:15!

Exposing yourself to that natural sunlight during the day (and perhaps wearing blue-light blocking glasses at night) is another great way to normalize your sleep patterns. 

Mood Cure #9: Study Up On Stoic Philosophy

There’s a lot we can learn from the Stoics, but one of the most powerful lessons when it comes to working through life’s drearier moments is the acceptance that life doesn’t always need to be perfect.

As much as we like to think of ourselves as unique and “special,” no human is deserving of a “perfect life” that is somehow always comfortable and fun.

And it’s unreasonable to expect one.

Marcus Aurelius said:

“At dawn, when you have trouble getting out of bed, tell yourself: ‘I have to go to work — as a human being. What do I have to complain of, if I’m going to do what I was born for — the things I was brought into the world to do? Or is this what I was created for? To huddle under the blankets and stay warm?’”

Stoic philosophy teaches us that always expecting life to be amazing and thrilling is irrational and unrealistic. By accepting that sometimes things will be uncomfortable, and being willing to face that discomfort and work in spite of it, we build much healthier, more logical patterns of thought for work and life. 

Rational Emotive Therapy teaches very similar principles. Here’s an article we wrote about this idea here.

Mood Cure #10: Visualize Your Goals

One powerful way to work in spite of a bad mood is to think of the bigger picture.

WHY are you working?

What are you working TOWARDS? 

Is it money? A better lifestyle? More freedom? A greater cause?

Sit back and check in with your bigger goals and you can often tap back into that motivation to power through your darker moments.

Whatever you think about vision boards and their ability to create reality, it’s hard to deny they are a great mood lifter!

Mood Cure #11: Think Of Yourself As A Craftsman

If you’re always just working for the next payday and don’t really CARE about what you’re doing, it’s much less fulfilling. 

But by thinking of yourself as a craftsman you can make the work itself become a reward.

This isn’t about the end result of your goal. You may be a web designer, for example. But have you made it a mission to be THE BEST WEB DESIGNER POSSIBLE?

Do you love the CRAFT of web design? And if not, can you learn to?

If you constantly find yourself working for clients, you may find yourself uninspired by the work. But think of what THEY’RE trying to accomplish with the website you create. How does it SERVE the world? If it really just doesn’t, you might consider focusing on a different type of client…

How can you constantly IMPROVE on what you do?

The deeper you dig into any topic or skill set on earth, the more fascinating it becomes. So I encourage you to dig as deep into your work as you can. The better you get at something, the more you learn about it, the more INTERESTING it becomes.

And you create that dynamic with your work where you can get LOST in it…

Fall in love with “deep work.”

When you have that type of relationship with your craft, all it takes is sitting down and firing up your table saw, picking up your paintbrush, or in this scenario, opening up Photoshop…

…And the entire physical world (and all its concerns) fade away. You may have to face them again later, but your work can always be a place to disappear for a while. 

Mood Cure #12: Don’t Beat Up On Yourself!

Of course, one of the most vicious traps with procrastination is our tendency to be hard on yourself when you procrastinate…

…Thus making it even HARDER to work. And creating a self-perpetuating cycle.

Big trap!

So learning to forgive yourself and accept your own flaws and mistakes (as cheesy as it might sound) really is a big part of keeping yourself in a healthy enough state to get things done too.

Mood Cure #13: Make Sure To "Celebrate Your Wins"

One of the best things about learning to work when you’re “not in the mood” is this…

…Once you DO sit down and actually get something done, it’s a great little reward to yourself. And as you defy your procrastination, defy your mood, and defy the notion that life always has to be “comfortable”…

…You get small little wins.

And these wins build positive emotions. That build on themselves to eliminate the power procrastination holds on your life and your psyche.

In fact, I take a few minutes at the end of each day to write down my “wins” for that day.

And it’s amazing how much momentum this builds over the course of the week.

Of course, if I wait until the end of the week (or Monday morning) to try to remember what I accomplished, I only come up with a few items. But when I make it a point to write them down every single day, I usually end up with over 20 big wins per week…

Which drives up my confidence and boosts my motivation by allowing to start my day just a little more charged up!

Are You Ready To Work Your Way Into A Better Mood?

FocusMe is a great way to start building those small wins by creating “rules” for the way you work online.

 

Learn more about how you can use it to defeat procrastination and online distraction today.

The post How to Get Work Done (Even When You’re Not in the Mood) appeared first on FocusMe.

Today’s hard-charging entrepreneurs and personal development gurus…

…They’re all about SELF-DISCIPLINE.

Jocko Willink (not a cheesy guru type at all, to be fair) even wrote a book called “Discipline Equals Freedom.” It’s an amazing read, of course, and quite on target. You can’t expect to get far in this world if you don’t develop some level of ability to sit your tail in a chair and just get things done.

Day in and day out.

Well, today I have a confession to make. It might come as a bit of a shock considering I created the most powerful procrastination-beating app on the web (or maybe not, if you really think about it…).

But here it is.

Sometimes I feel like the self-discipline line of hustle culture is a little bit too nailed to the wall.

I Mean Do You Really WANT To Be A Discipline Machine?

After working with thousands of remote workers and online business-folk over the years to beat digital distraction and focus better, I’ve come to realize the struggle between discipline and freedom goes super DEEP. Especially with people like us who’ve purposely chosen to work remotely.

After all, the whole IDEA of becoming a copywriter, a web designer, a software engineer, an online product creator, a blogger…

…Whatever…

…Was to create more freedom in the first place!

And so it’s a cold bucket of water in the face when you realize you actually need MORE discipline to make the whole “mobile lifestyle” thing a reality.

So you implement a laundry list of productivity tricks in an attempt to get it all on track. But you can’t help but fight yourself! Pushing back on these changes (good ole’ “Monkey Mind” in action).

Because bottom line: That freedom “value” is strong within you.

You don’t just think freedom is a “nice idea.” It’s one of the most important priorities you have!

And you probably don’t WANT to let it go, right?

So the question becomes…

How Can You Embrace Self-Discipline While STILL Allowing Room For Spontaneity?

This is the point where those infomercial-type guys would lie to you.

And tell you that, yes, you can have the best of ALL possible worlds.

You can live as free as you’d like, they’d say, wandering around the planet like a beach bum, your hair messed up and your dirty toes poking out at the world. Slosh through mai tais on the beach while closing deals and the money keeps coming in like clockwork…

I won’t feed you that line, I promise.

The truth is that (unless you’re extremely talented and extremely lucky), you probably can’t have it all. There is, however, some room to strike a balance.

And after all these years growing FocusMe to what it is today…

…I’ve stumbled across a few invaluable tricks that allow me to maintain a sense of freedom and spontaneity (even if just a sense of it) while still making the magic happen.

I’ll tell you about 7 of my favorite ways to give yourself that permission in just a moment…

But first let’s get something out of the way.

A Warning About The Psychology Of Procrastination

And How Reframing “Work” In Your Mind Frees You From Your Mental Traps

Before we get into these 7 tricks of work freedom…

…I’d feel a bit irresponsible if I didn’t address the psychology of procrastination first (as it pertains to the desire for “freedom”).

Because just telling a procrastinator they can be as spontaneous as they want with no filter at all… Well, in some ways that’s like telling someone with a history of alcohol abuse that, sure, they can just have “one” drink whenever they want.

After all, experts say one drink is good for you.

Obviously that’s problematic.

So let’s peel back the psychology of procrastination for a sec. And see if we can determine where your hunger for freedom comes in.

Because fair upfront warning here.

Your hunger for freedom may be a big reason you procrastinate in the first place!

Fortunately there are some proven strategies for weakening its grip on your thought processes.

Procrastination As Discomfort Avoidance (And How To Fix It)

Have you ever heard of Rational Emotive Therapy?

(Or its more recent offshoot, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?)

REBT was created by a cranky old man named Albert Ellis as recently as the 1950s. But the foundational principles of REBT go back a lot longer than that.

In fact, Ellis developed this branch of psychology from age-old principles of Asian, Greek, and Roman philosophy before going on to turn it into one of the most successful forms of psychotherapy known to man.

In the “EFTP Psychotherapy Guidebook,” Milos Lazarevic and Vladimir Djuric write, “In general REBT is arguably one of the most investigated theories in the field of psychotherapy and a large amount of clinical experience and a substantial body of modern psychological research have validated and substantiated many of REBTs theoretical assumptions on personality and psychotherapy.”

I’ve often heard it said that REBT is more research-backed and evidence-based than any other form of psychotherapy.

Point being, this isn’t just theory here!

According to Healthline, REBT is particularly effective with a wide range of what we generally think of as psychological disorders, like depression, anxiety, phobias, rage, guilt, aggression, sleep problems, eating disorders, and more.

And yes, it helps with addiction and alcoholism too (bringing our previous analogy into a clearer perspective).

Plus REBT has also been known to help with PROCRASTINATION!

Here’s How REBT Gets You Out Of The Freedom Trap

We often think of these types of conditions as problems with your brain. Or something in your innate nature.

Like people with depression who try to medicate their way out of it instead of addressing lifestyle causes that likely contribute. Or addiction recovery programs that teach their “patients” that they have a disease they can never really be cured of.

And procrastinators who just assume it’s a part of their nature that’ll never change.

(Some of these statements are controversial, I know, but REBT has had great success in practice.)

One of the core tenets of REBT is that your self-sabotaging emotions are instead caused by irrational beliefs you hold in your mind. While emotion can be analyzed as a chemical response, the way you STRUCTURE your thoughts, i.e. the things you tell yourself, are what trigger the emotions you feel to begin with.

And emotions are hard to fight, so they lead to repeating behaviors you don’t want. Even when you intend the opposite.

REBT teaches you to work on the belief, or the thought first. And then the emotion will correct itself.

Where Does "Freedom" Come In?

A major source of procrastination is an innate desire to rebel against the discomfort of having to do something against your will.

REBT has a term for this inability to handle discomfort. They call it “low frustration tolerance” — an alternative name that might click with us freedom-seekers is “short-term hedonism.”

And often that’s all it really is when you tell yourself something limits your freedom.

You get a new job or start a new business, and at first, you’re killing it. But after some time goes by, you secretly start to resent the work. You resent the clients hitting you up with their demands. You resent your boss. You resent your co-workers. You resent even the very thought of clocking in.

Because in your mind, you believe, “Well, I SHOULD be able to do whatever I want to do.”

“No one SHOULD have control over my time and focus but me.”

And because these work demands require what feels like a limitation on freedom, you rebel against them and fall off the rails. And start procrastinating.

Because work is uncomfortable and your brain doesn’t like discomfort. Until everyone gets burnt out on your behavior, and even if they keep you around, the work relationships deteriorate and your results suffer.

Rational Emotive Therapy teaches you that you can control your feelings by controlling how you frame work in your mind.

All You Have To Do Is Change The Way You “Talk To Yourself” About Work

The actual words you use when you “talk to yourself” CREATE the feelings you have. By rewording those thoughts intentionally you can change the way you feel.

So while I still think you CAN entertain some of your hunger for freedom, it also helps to redefine the idea stuck in your head that says work somehow imposes upon freedom. Or that it isn’t “fair” to have to work because it feels uncomfortable.

You feel bad when you say to yourself:

“I hate this because it makes me feel uncomfortable and trapped.”

Statements Albert Ellise might prescribe include (yes, for when you talk to yourself):

“My work actually CREATES freedom because it provides the income to take uninterrupted time off work and do the things I actually want to do in life. By focusing more now I can buy more free time later.”

Or even questioning your feeling that you “deserve” to not have your freedom imposed upon. Or that you “deserve” to never feel uncomfortable.

Albet Ellis would have you tell yourself:

“Who am I to deserve to never feel uncomfortable? No human in the history of the world has been able to completely escape discomfort… So of course I’ll be uncomfortable sometimes, and that’s fine.”

And:

“Who am I to deserve to feel completely free of work or any responsibilities at all times? No one in the history of the world has ever been so free, so what makes me so special? Since there’s no reason I should be free of all restrictions and limitations, I can just accept that this is part of life.”

If any of this sounds confusing, over-simplistic, or airy, I get it. Rational Emotive Therapy is a fascinating field of thought, and you could spend years digging into it. But it’s well worth the journey if you want to break your stickiest mental traps.

Start learning more here.

Meanwhile, I did promise, so…

Here Are 7 Freedom Tricks For Embracing A Flexible Lifestyle When Working Online

Freedom Trick #1: Keep A Flexible Weekly Schedule

Just because you’re learning to reframe your desire to be free…

…Doesn’t mean some of the aspects of living spontaneously aren’t worth enjoying. So I’ll just say this.

While it works well for some people, there’s no law on the books that says you HAVE to work the same days every week. And of course, you don’t have to work full weeks at all.

There are some real freedom-friendly benefits to living on your toes too.

Again, isn’t this why most of us decided to work for ourselves anyhow?

If you can afford it in your job or business, for example, work for three days really hard one week, and then take the rest of the week off. Work a week straight (if nothing else is really going on anyways) to buy some time for a longer break in the future. Mix it up to roll with the punches in life — or just to keep things interesting.

I even know some guys who work every single day for a while (against all advice to the contrary). Because they know a week will come where they just want to break loose and put it all aside.

Kind of like banking up your time off until you need it…

Another cool idea would be to travel around the world or country, working for a few days at a time at every destination before hitting the road again. Believe it or not, yes, some people do pull this off and build successful businesses in the process.

Not everyone can do stuff like this, of course.

But in a few other professions it’s the norm. Consider oil workers — some work for three whole months straight and then take three months off. Wilderness firefighters. Alaskan fisherman. And hey, if a guy can pull nets from the water with frozen fingers for weeks on end, why can’t a knowledge worker bring a little bit of this element to work in order to take longer breaks?

Even as the founder of a growing software company, I try to finish my weeks on Thursday. Hey, I still struggle to make it happen every week, but it’s sure worth trying. The point is it’s all up to you!

Freedom Trick #2: You Don’t HAVE to Work Specific Hours Either

It flies against everything time management experts tell you. And I’m probably contradicting advice I myself have given a million times.

But there’s a certain “freedom” magic retained when your days start as a blank slate.

Meaning, you commit to getting X many hours in (let’s say 6, so we can put some numbers to this) by the end of the day, and you will. And you have your 6 top things you absolutely need to get done.

However, there’s no perimeter staking your schedule to the ground.

And other than meetings, most of your work isn’t attached to specific times.

Maybe you have a rough schedule from 8 am to 3 pm, and during those hours you usually knock out your day before enjoying the afternoon and evening.

But one day you’re just not feeling it. So you decide to jump and head out for an adventure. Hey, sometimes a creative brain NEEDS that (and the work often comes out shoddy if you power through those moments).

Go for a hike, hit the gym, take a friend up on an offer to meet for lunch. Come back and finish up your last few hours in the early evening this time.

If you have this kind of control over your schedule, why not use it?

 

Freedom Trick #3: Build the Right Systems To Step Away More Often

You’ll probably never reach a point where your business is completely hands-off.

Unless, I suppose, you grow a large enough team to completely step outside and treat it like an asset (“Built to Sell,” anyone?).

That doesn’t mean you don’t stand to benefit from smart systems — even in your job, if you’re a freelancer or employee.

Work ON your business, not in it, as they say.

• • • If you’re a freelancer, outsource your cold emails or hire a researcher.
    • Automate client appointment bookings with Calendly.
    • Some entrepreneurs hire someone to handle their email management (no different than a secretary, really).
    • Are you losing your days to marketing processes that would be handed off to a pro?
    • Can you record and use a transcription service instead of taking notes on important videos?
    • What else can you SYSTEMIZE?

Break down everything you do on a daily basis, and then hunt down software tools or dependable services to make it easier.

Even when scaling is not your aim, the more you outsource or automate pesky things that take up unnecessary time and energy, the more you profit in flexibility and freedom.

Freedom Trick #4: Put Together A Robust “Mobile Work Kit”

You’re probably more productive with a regular home office and a set routine, but spontaneous and freedom-lusting folks like you should at least have the OPTION to move around sometimes. To stuff your office in a backpack and hit the road when the mood strikes.

With the right “toolkit,” you can pack up the bag, jump in the car, and take off on a whim. Not the most efficient use of time, but sometimes it’s the best use of your LIFE.

This might be as simple as driving down to your favorite coffee shop or restaurant for the morning to change your scenery. Or taking a serious road trip and renting a hotel room by the ocean another town over. Maybe flying somewhere for a real vacation (you ARE taking vacations, right?).

What you DON’T want is to get to your destination and realize you can’t get your work done because you can’t get a good internet connection, because you don’t have access to the right files, because you left your good headphones at the house, or because you bought a lousy laptop that sucks to work on.

Put together a “bug out” bag — not for when Armageddon hits but just so you can disappear whenever you feel like it and not fall too far off the work wagon.

What Tools Keep You More Productive On The Go?

Some ideas to consider include:

• • • A portable laptop stand, an external keyboard, and an external mouse (just for a more comfy setup in coffee shops).
    • A portable wifi device (if you’re really serious about staying on the move, consider getting more than one for backup).
    • A hi-speed laptop charger.
    • A backup laptop power bank (you could get a power inverter to charge in the car if you plan to be camping or off-roading).
    • Robust tablet computer. Sometimes it’s nice to just be able to check in to work, edit docs, or send emails without pulling everything out. Tablets make that much easier.
    • A good backpack and some organizers for all your cords and chargers. You’ll feel a lot less chaotic on the move if everything in your work arsenal has a “home” in a well-organized backpack. Don’t run yourself ragged constantly guessing where to find the things you need.
    • A high-end headset and mic. Don’t get caught up in a coffee shop or noisy environment unable to have an important conversation. Of course it’s best if you can do these in a hotel room or at home, but flexibility is a strength when you work online.
    • Google Fi and a compatible phone. These days you can get one phone and travel most places in the world without interrupting your service. Google Fi is probably the best option if you don’t mind being stuck with a compatible phone.

Spontaneity Trick #5: Turn Your Phone Into A Work Device

This deserves some special mention outside of your mobile work kit because it can play such an integral role in your everyday business if you do it properly.

Gary Vaynerchuck often says your phone should make you money, not take your money. Spot on!

And hey, I know you probably can’t run your entire business from your phone. But you CAN set your phone up to at least handle some of your workload. 

What’s stopping you from parking on the beach and batching your most phone-friendly tasks into an hour or two of work? These tasks need to get done, but maybe they don’t need to get done from the house. 

Some Phone-Friendly Tasks You Can Get Done From Anywhere?

• • • Manage your daily emails.
    • Conduct research via online articles, Kindle books, or YouTube videos.
    • Edit Google Docs.
    • Brainstorm, take notes, or even scratch pieces of content out in a notes app.
    • Speak your thoughts into a recording app.
    • Post on social media.
    • Conduct Skype or Zoom meetings from the comfy, warm seat of your car.
    • Book meetings and set up reminders in your Calendar.
    • Plan your week, month, or year.
    • Brainstorm your systems improvements.

 

If you get really good at this, you’ll learn you can get a lot of work done on your computer. I’ll be honest, you might see the costs of mobile data go up if, for example, you’re listening to Youtube videos to study for projects or sharpen skills away from the computer.

But imagine the freedom of knocking out a couple hours of work as you walk across town to the barber shop or to do a little shopping. Getting exercise while still knocking items off your work to-do list.

All these technologies are commonplace these days. So instead of doing what most people do — complaining about how they invade our lives or, even worse, wasting all your down moments chatting on Facebook, embrace this stuff to get more work done from more places.

Warning: Your phone is definitely a pit of distraction, so make sure to streamline it if you don’t already. Delete apps that are likely to drag you off course, or consider using FocusMe to lock yourself out.

Freedom Trick #6: Get Things Done Without Any Digital Tech At All

• • • Bring a notebook along and you can sit anywhere, set aside the phone completely, and still create content, map out website designs, brainstorm business strategies, whatever… The best material often comes out this way. You might find the pen and paper and a lovely setting really helps you break through creative blocks. Entire articles or even sales pages just spill out in one sitting sometimes when you step away from the screen. Daunting biz obstacles that have been wearing you down can melt away in the blink of an eye.
    • Carrying a smaller notebook in your pocket on long walks and hikes is another great way to brainstorm new ideas for business or for content. And a handy way to multipurpose your time in the gym. 
    • Record interviews with clients and other important business contacts. Listen to them on an mp3 player from anywhere. Pack your ipod with business podcasts so you can study anywhere.
    • Sometimes I go sit down at the bay across town and listen to this stuff while taking in the view.
    • In “Million Dollar Productivity,” Kevin J. Anderson even talks about writing books while hiking! He uses Dragon Naturally Speaking software and a headset that records as he goes. The files can be uploaded later and transcribed by Dragon, even sent to an editor to be cleaned up before the next redraft. Of course, a nice recorder paired with a transcribing service can get you halfway there.

Freedom Trick #7: Practice Extreme Focus When It’s Finally Time To Work

If you want more breathing room to wander about the world (or just your local town) sometimes, make sure you’re ultra-productive when you do sit down to work. 

Because the best way to gain more free hours?

Do more with the time you’re switched on, something the average worker fails miserably at. A study of nearly 2,000 UK office workers found the average person did less than 3 hours of actual hours of work every day…

What in the world? Why??

Because most people just aren’t efficient on the job. They take twice as much time to do something because they’re multitasking. They’re constantly pulled away from work tasks by distractions, some of which eat up hours at a time. 

But imagine if you could get 5 or 6 hours of ACTUAL efficient work done every single day. This might seem minor in the context of an 8-hour workday. But if most people REALLY do less than 3 hours of work, you could be working twice as fast as everyone else…

…And still take more time off!

That’s the real power of using software like FocusMe to get more out of the time you work. It helps create tunnel vision to hurtle towards your goals.

FocusMe introduces a lot of ways to fix that problem.

• • • Work in focused blocks using FocusMe’s distraction-blockers, so you can hold off the distractions and hone right in on what needs to get done when you sit in your chair.
    • Use our handy online usage stats to get an accurate view of how much you’re actually doing everyday.
    • Confine yourself with computer restrictions that don’t let you do any work outside of a 6-hour period. According to Parkinson’s Law, work always swells to fill up the time you give it. So if you force yourself to get your workday done within a certain time-frame, you’ll be forced to come up with ingenious ways to get it done faster. Sure, that goes against what I said about not working to a set schedule, but remember, different things work best for different people.
    • Set up a pattern of work and rest blocks using the Pomodoro timer, so you can get up early and crush more out in 6 hours than most people do in 10, then take the rest of the day off.

 

These things are what helped me finally achieve my 4-day weeks even while running a software company! It’s why I created FocusMe in the first place…

Of course you can start embracing deep work principles now if you really try, but FocusMe does it a whole lot better. Go here if you’d like to try it out for yourself (free trials available)

What It Really Comes Down To Is “Permission”

Yes, you absolutely should implement strategies in your life to become more productive. But you don’t have to implement it all. Sometimes you just need to give that freedom-loving side of you a little permission to breathe too.

As long as you do have an efficient relationship with your work, what can it hurt?

After all, is moving faster always the best use of your time on Earth?

Or can you accept that freedom is important too? Can you keep your schedule open-ended and flexible enough that when you do sit down to work you can be 100% present and focused on what’s right in front of you?

As long as you’re disciplined and focused in the most important ways — like sticking your nose straight to the grindstone when it’s go-time, you can afford to be more care-free and spontaneous in others.

Which is the type of life you meant to live from the beginning of all this…

Consider this. There are probably millions of people all over the planet living in the most remote places, running businesses from tropical islands and quiet mountaintops. Surely you can enjoy some of that yourself from time to time.

Now get to work.

GET STARTED NOW

The post Discipline Vs Freedom: 7 Ways To Win the Battle For Your Time When You Work Online appeared first on FocusMe.

Communicate, Don’t Isolate

Humans need community to thrive. Whether this means being surrounded by family, friends, or coworkers, it’s important to make time for the people in your life, especially during NaNoWriMo. This may sound counterproductive, but people can actually motivate you, encourage you, and even help you overcome writer’s block.

NaNoWriMo realizes the value of community and designed forums for this very purpose. There are ones to plot, ask questions, post inspiration, and even just chat. These can be a great resource when you just need a reminder of why you’re doing this challenge.

Furthermore, having a writing partner (or several) can help with accountability and be a great way to have someone to bounce ideas off of. Sometimes writing with a person can really help motivate you. Find a creative way to do this, like a virtual write in. Try video calling some writer friends, setting their videos in the corner of your screen, and typing away.

Stay Healthy

This year’s NaNoWriMo literally takes place in the midst of a global pandemic during flu season. For a few lucky dystopian writers, this may be a source of inspiration, perhaps even for their novel, but for most writers, it’s a source of fear and stress. Maintaining one’s health and safety is at the top of everyone’s minds right now. However, given the strenuous and time-sensitive schedule of NaNoWriMo, staying home and writing isn’t always enough to stay healthy.

Eating well can be tricky, especially when you’re crunched for time. A diet that consists of more than just coffee and junk food, however, is crucial to maintaining energy and mental clarity. Try keeping a bowl of fresh fruit or vegetables and hummus next to your computer to snack on throughout the day instead of a bowl of chips. Your body needs healthy nutrients to fight off germs and illnesses, particularly during the winter. In the event that you or a family member starts to feel sick, don’t panic. You can use an over the counter medicine delivery service to have the essentials dropped off so you don’t have to waste time or energy going to the store. Cough syrup? Check. Chicken noodle soup? Check. Vitamins? Check. Back to writing your novel? Check.

Because you’re spending most, if not all of your days hunched over your laptop furiously typing away on your novel, it’s important to stand up and stretch every now and then. Wake your tired muscles up with a short walk or run. If you’re already surrounded by snow and going outdoors isn’t an option, then try an online workout video or yoga session. Either way, it’s important to get moving. Exercise isn’t just good for your body, it also provides mental clarity and enhances focus, something every writer needs.

Surround Yourself With Inspiration

The phrase “art inspires art” is absolutely true, especially when you’re dumping creative content out in such large quantities all month. Try surrounding yourself with many different forms of art to stay inspired and ward off the dreaded writer’s block.

If you’re a visual person, start looking for illustrations or pictures that remind you of your novel and characters to inspire your writing. If you like motivational quotes, consider scribbling your favorite ones about writing on sticky notes and place them all over your workspace. If you’re a poetry person, try reading some to spark your creativity. Always keep in mind, however, that art should not be a distraction, but rather an inspiration. So refrain from reading novels or anything too long. Instead, stick to short stories, quotes, or poetry so you don’t get sucked in and find yourself losing valuable writing time.

Vary Writing Environments

The environment you write in can have a serious impact on your writing. Some writers are more productive alone in a clean and aesthetic space, while others prefer to be surrounded by people who are also working, like at a coffee shop or a library. No matter what your preferences, it helps to change up where you write from time to time. If you’re tired of writing in your home, try and shake things up a bit. Depending on what the restrictions are like where you live, you may be able to write in a coffee shop, surrounded by the smells, sounds, and energy that you find at such places. If that’s not an option, most libraries will let you sit in a quiet corner and write for a few hours. If you live somewhere warm, try writing outside. You could either try finding a bench by a fountain, writing in a local park’s gazebo, or even just hanging up your own hammock. No matter what you choose, getting out of your home and filling your lungs with fresh air will invigorate you.

 

Don’t Look Back

One of NaNoWriMo’s most crucial rules is “don’t edit.” This is infinitely easier said than done. The inner editor can be so loud and it can be tempting to give in. One of the best ways to combat this is not to look back or reread anything you’ve written. While this is tough, it provides a barrier and forces you to keep moving forward. If you absolutely have to reread your words, then try to do so at the beginning or end of a writing session, so it doesn’t become a distraction or discouragement in the middle.

Another reason not to look back is you risk hating your own words. When this happens, you’ll want to either edit or just straight up delete them. Editing is already banned, so why not delete? Because there may be some worthwhile writing in the passage. Your job in December or January is to sift through and revise. How frustrating would it be if you remembered writing something but couldn’t find it anywhere because you’d deleted it? Rather, leave every word you’ve written alone for now, you’ll have a chance to delete and edit soon enough.

For now, revel in every word written. Each one puts you a step closer to your completed novel.

The post 5 Ways to Stay Sane During NaNoWriMo appeared first on FocusMe.

Strategy #1 – Write In The Morning

“Why should it matter at what time of day I pick up my pen?”, you might ask. 

Well, to be honest, a lot of writers have been successful despite each having his own different schedule and habits. Some write as soon as they get out of bed, others in the afternoon, while another might write in the depth of night. But that doesn’t mean there couldn’t be an optimal time to get your writing done.

As it stands, there has actually been scientific research into this. Studies have proven that people are actually most productive in the morning. This is linked to our circadian rhythm, which is our body’s internal biological clock. This rhythm causes our alertness and concentration to peak right after getting up, up until about noon, after which it starts to slide down again. And an increased level of focus will cause you to be much less be distracted. One key condition for this to work is that you don’t have a hangover from the night before. Getting to bed on time will also increase this strategy’s effectiveness.

Strategy #2 – Write Consistently

Routine, in an intelligent man, is a sign of ambition. A modern stoic knows that the surest way to discipline passion is to discipline time: decide what you want or ought to do during the day, then always do it at exactly the same moment every day, and passion will give you no trouble.’

• W. H. Auden

Since you’re still reading this, we have already established that you are, in fact, intelligent. All we need now is to establish a routine, and all the signs of ambition will be present.

All joking aside, using a set routine really might be the one most important strategies you can use. In fact, it can even be said that it is a critical element of success. 

Writing consistently and implementing routine has many facets.

First of all, you have to write at a set time, and write every day. Even if you’re not going to follow Strategy #1, either because you have a job to go to, or you’re just really not a morning person, it’s still important to have a set time of day that’s dedicated to NaNoWriMo. Take your Google Calendar (or whatever it is you use to manage your time), and mark one or more hours per day for writing your story.

An second aspect of routine is that you set a minimum daily word count, and then make sure you get that amount done.

If you go about writing 500 words one day, 2000 words the next, and 300 words on Saturday, you’re setting yourself up for failure. Since you have to write 50.000 words during NaNoWriMo, that means about 1700 words per day, or 3-4 pages, which is perfectly doable on a daily basis. You don’t have to write a single word extra, but if you do, all the better.

Strategy #3 – Take Breaks / Use the Pomodoro Technique

If you’re writing for hours on end without any rest, your mind is definitely going to get exhausted. As a result, you’re going to run out of steam, and whatever you put down on paper just isn’t going to be top notch, even if you do get to the required amount of words.

That’s why it’s useful, crucial even, to take breaks when writing. However, we’re not talking about the kind of breaks where you watch five episodes of your favorite TV show. Short, intermittent breaks where you just let your mind recover a bit are really useful in accomplishing this goal. A really good tactic to use breaks is the Pomodoro Technique.

With the Pomodoro Technique, you write for an allotted amount of focused writing (typically 25 minutes), after which you take a five minute break, and resume working. After the fourth time, you take a longer break of about fifteen to thirty minutes. If you are the type of writer who really gets into ‘the zone’, then you can always make the focus session longer, but you might want to extend the breaks a bit too.

That way, you can stay fresh and focused throughout your insane writing frenzy.

Learn more how to do ‘Pomodoros’ here.

Strategy #4 – Use A Productivity App

It used to be that writers made use of pen and paper. Then came the typewriter, which made things a bit easier. Since a few decades, we have these things called personal computers, which are even more convenient. However, there’s a big drawback to writing on a PC.

You see, you can’t use a pen, a piece of paper or a typewriter to:

• Watch thousands of different movies and TV shows
• Play an equal amount of addictive video games
• Read news sites and blogs (like you’re doing right now)
• Watch funny cat videos on YouTube (hey, I’m guilty of this too)
• Communicate with the rest of the world through social media
• Browse a wide collection of naughty graphic materials

See the problem? That’s quite a list of distractions. Writers didn’t have all these luxuries in the past, and that probably made it a bit easier for them to get any work done. Talk about first world problems.

No worries, because every problem has a solution: FocusMe 

The post Four Essential Strategies for Distraction Free Writing during NaNoWriMo appeared first on FocusMe.

Of course, if it’s all going to schedule, then keep doing what you’re doing. But if, like many, you fear you may be heading down the same path as Jack Nicholson in The Shining (and let’s be honest, no-one wants that), then read on, as we reveal our top tips to help you nail NaNo this year…

 

1 Make a plan

In NaNo speak, you’re either a Planner (someone who has done the prep work prior to 1st November) or a Pantser (someone who writes by the seat of their pants, relishing the freedom of the blank page). So when we say ‘make a plan’, we don’t mean you have to have mapped out your storyline to within an inch of its life – after all, this might not be your bag. All we mean is it’s a good idea to know what those 50,000 words breaks down into. Broadly speaking, it’s going to mean jotting down 1,667 words a day. Know you’re not going to be able to write on Saturdays? Then this is going to equate to more like 1,923 words on the days you can write. Some days you might write a little less, some a little more. But knowing roughly how much you’re going to have to get down daily is a good starting place. Missed a week entirely already? It might seem that all is lost but take a deep breath and don’t panic – just do the maths, figure out your daily total as of right now, and hit the ground running once more. You can do it!

 

2 Find a routine that works for you

A routine is a great way to turn your passion for writing into a habit, so figure out the times of day your writing flows most freely and stick with it daily. Many people find writing in the morning to be the most effective – after all, it’s the time of day where you’ll likely be feeling most refreshed. Whenever you decide to write, try not to be too rigid with your plans, or you might unwittingly stress yourself out if you have to rearrange. Remember, we all have to deal with distractions and disruptions once in a while – your kid gets ill, you’re asked to work an extra shift, you fancy a night off in favour of a glass of wine and a date with Netflix.

5 Dive in anywhere

Stuck on a particular chapter or scene? Not sure how to get your main character from one place to the next? Don’t waste time fretting about it; simply dive in somewhere else – somewhere where you do have a clearer idea of how your plot is going to unfold. Perhaps write your final scene, or the moment your story reaches its climax. Maybe you have the perfect conversation between two characters mapped out in your head, but you’re not sure exactly where they are or what’s led them together. Don’t worry too much about the details – just get that dialogue down on paper. You never know, jumping around and writing your key scenes may just help the rest of your novel fall perfectly into place.

6 Create a writing space

We know your best ideas will probably come to you when you’re out and about, and that perhaps your favourite scenes will have started life scribbled onto the backs of receipts you’ve found scrunched in your pocket. But despite that, there’s something to be said about having a dedicated writing space to help creativity flow. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy – you don’t need a studio or an entire room set aside. But is there a corner of a room or a favourite armchair that you feel most at home in? Might this be the place where creativity flows most freely? Try to ensure it remains clutter free – banish that pile of dirty clothes to the laundry basket and put those used mugs in the dishwasher. And consider placing a houseplant nearby – a 2013 study conducted at the University of Exeter found that working in the proximity of plants helps to aid creativity, boost productivity and improve wellbeing by up to 47 per cent!

The post How to stay on track during NaNoWriMo appeared first on FocusMe.

Using Music and Sounds for Better Focus

Are you currently leveraging the power of ambient noise to work more efficiently?

Your auditory environment plays a huge role in staying focused and productive while doing knowledge work. You’ve probably already noticed, for example, how sudden noises so easily distract you and take your attention off the task at hand.

And the wrong type of noise can be throw you off for hours…

Whether studying for Finals, plowing through a stuffed inbox, or writing an article under deadline, it’d be virtually impossible to focus sitting alongside a screaming freeway or a thundering rock concert.

And with all the bells and whistles of modern technology surrounding us, we almost never have a truly quiet moment…

Download this article as a PDF

But What If Noise Could Also Become an Asset to Your Work?

What if I told you certain types of background noise or music could actually help you stay focused and get more productive?

Keeping your energy high. Drowning out the world to help cultivate tunnel vision for the work in front of you.

And helping you maintain a persistent drive to move forward.

Take it from Dr. Masha Godkin, a professor in the of Northcentral University. “Music has the potential to take a person from the Beta brainwave state to deeper Alpha, and then Theta brainwave states, depending on the music,” he explains. 

“Music activates both the left and right brain at the same time, and the activation of both hemispheres can maximize learning and improve memory.”

Different Styles Of Music Are Great For Putting You In A Different States Of Mind.

Here are a few different styles you can use to get in the right mood while working to stay more focused on the task at hand.

Ambient Noise for Work #1: Classical Music

Listening to classical music is a great way to wind down any time you want to relax and let the stress of the day fall away. But research also shows it can increase brain activity – not to mention its benefits for health and well being.

Since there aren’t any lyrics to distract you either, classical music is really a no-brainer when it comes to choosing ambient noise for work.

Note:  By the way, Cambridge Sound management reports that up to 48% of office workers maybe be distracted by speech.

Some of my favorites classical music resources for focus include:

•  “Four Seasons “by Vivaldi.
• Bach Classical Study Playlist
• Classical Music for Studying: Mozart, Beethoven, Bach Study Music Playlist for Better Concentration
• 6-Hour Mozart Piano Classical Music Studying Playlist: Great Beautiful Long Pieces

Ambient Noise for Work #2: Cinematic Music

Cinematic music is a highly underrated mechanism for lifting your spirits, brightening your mood, and giving you a soaring feeling of empowerment. 

Think about it…

Movie companies pay big bucks to develop soundtracks that keep us highly engaged and on the edge of our seats for hours at a time. They’ve mastered the art of tapping into our most primal motivational drives.

So, whether you’re feeling tired and drained or just want to knock out a few hours of deep work, try listening to “Star Wars” or “Rocky” soundtracks to get in an ultra-productive zone. Some other cinematic soundtracks to make you feel like a straight-up superhero include:

• The Dark Knight
• Interstellar
• The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings

Ambient Noise for Work #3: Video Game Music

Any hardcore gamer can tell you that video game music is core to the experience of becoming absorbed in another world. Why not use it to become absorbed in the world of work?

Much like in cinema, the Video Game industry puts a lot of thought into developing soundtracks to keep you focused and excited – you might even say “hooked.” These types of musical compositions can become a giant asset if you want ambient noise to keep you motivated so you can fight through the challenges of your workday. 

You may find your own favorites but a few worth mentioning are:

• Mega man
• Halo
• Super Mario
• Final Fantasy

Ambient Noise for Work #4: Bring the Sounds of the World to You

The soothing sound of waves crashing on the shore…

The gentle, lighthearted murmur of the local coffee…

The musical patter of rain on leaves…or a bubbling waterfall…

Sounds like these actually have a soothing effect on the brain. An effect that can help drown out distracting noises, like your family chattering away or the tapping of a keyboard. Even the empty void sometimes created by dead silence.

While it may not appeal to everyone, studies show background noises like this can actually be used in place of music to enhance mood and focus. 

A phenomenon called stochastic resonance describes how background noise can improve concentration and decision-making ability. So using nature and ambient noises instead of background beats can be a great way to stay in the zone.

By the Way, We Have a Free Tool for That:

Our handy media player at RainyCafe plays open loop tracks for your convenience – one is the sound of falling rain and the other replicates the soothing murmur of a coffee shop. Play both at once if you like.

Bonus Ambient Noise for Work Tip: Turn Up the Tempo

Need a little more oomph?

It turns out that music at a 50 to 80 beats per minute pace can help you learn and boost your creativity and logical thinking skills.

Dr. Emma Gray, a cognitive behavioral therapist researcher hired by Spotify, found that music set in the 50 to 80 Bpm range puts the brain into an alpha state and even has a very significant impact on math test scores. 

The alpha state is a much more relaxed state of mind that leaves us far more receptive to new information and experiences while improving memory and intuition. The alpha state is the state of mind we think of when we say someone is “in the zone.”

One of my favorites high-tempo tunes is:

• Drop That Funky Soul by Belabouche (80 Bpm)

How About Leveraging the Power of Your Own Favorite Songs?

Listening to tunes you like can make you feel better, and it’s obviously easier to focus if you’re in a good mood. 

University of Miami professor Teresa Lesiuk, a specialist in music therapy, discovered results often improved if subjects chose their own music.

Not only did their self-chosen songs leave them in a better mood but they had better ideas and got things done faster.

Unfortunately, not everyone has the same taste, so this is not recommended while working in large groups. But it’s a perfect way to leverage ambient noise for work at home.

What About Music You Actually DISLIKE?

It sounds counter-intuitive, but some people work better when listening to music they aren’t really all that crazy about. 

Or even music they slightly dislike…

What? How can that be? 

Well, researchers from Fu Jen Catholic University in Taiwan revealed that whether workers strongly liked or disliked the background music, they became more distracted rather than more engaged with their work. In other words, music that polarizes too much in either direction can become a distraction in some cases, leading to less focus.

It makes sense the more you think about it. “Your song” might lead you to singing and completely forgetting what you’re doing…

On the other hand, think of how sometimes a song that bores you (without driving you nuts) can fill the silence without pulling you out of your work. Kind of like leaving the TV on for background noise when you’re home alone.

My most common song lists for work have zero tracks I could recall by name. Sort of just chill music that I could live without.

A Few More Tips to Consider About Ambient Noise for Work:

• The volume of the music obviously plays a large role in its utility for focus. You don’t want music so loud that it overpowers your senses. It’s meant to be background noise to set a mood – not a rock show or big night out at the orchestra. This might seem obvious, but if you find the music distracting you a lot, try just turning it down and letting it fade into the background more.
• Remember, ambient noise isn’t just about filling the silence when working or studying at home alone. Popping in your headphones can also be a great tool for drowning out a more chaotic environment and stepping into your own little world. You might also consider getting some noise-canceling headphones.
• In a recent article, we also talked about the power of work rituals to get you in the zone every time you sit down at your computer. Much like listening to the same song every time you step into the gym, if you teach your brain to associate certain songs with deep work and flow, you can use them to fire the right synapses on command.

Check Out Our Free Ambient Noise Tool at RainyCafe

If you’ve yet to find the music or soundtrack that inspires you to reach your maximum potential, we have a cool little tool you can use anytime you want.

RainyCafe has endless looping play functions with two different tracks.

One gives you the comforting sounds of a mellow coffee shop. The other a gentle rain. You can listen to whichever you prefer or play them both at once.

Check it out at http://RainyCafe.com.

Download this article as a PDF

Or Learn About FocusMe’s Web Blocking Software for More Ways to Get Hyper-Focused.

Discover the power of uninterrupted, unwavering focus to completely change your life around. Go to http://FocusMe.com.

The post Ambient Noise for Work: Drop that Funky Soul & Get Productive appeared first on FocusMe.

However, with phones, technology, and other people all around us, it’s easy to find ourselves lost or tempting by distractions, which means that ultimately nothing gets done. Whether you’re a freelancer, a copywriter, or an aspiring author, it’s essential that you get in the zone to help you get words onto the page.

With all this in mind, today we’re going to explore the top ten need-to-know ways you can minimize the number of distractions around you, ensuring you have the maximum number of opportunities to focus and get your work done.

#1 – Create a Dedicated Writing Space

Where do you currently write? At home? On your sofa? At work? In a coffee shop? If the line is blurred between these places then it’s no wonder you’re going to find yourself distracted because you’re telling your brain that you’re in the place where you should, or could, be doing other things.

This is why it can be so important to make sure you’re only writing, as much as possible, in a dedicated writing space. This way, every time you go into this space, you’ll teach your brain that it’s time to write and do or think about nothing else, thus maximizing your writing productivity.

#2 – Leave Your Phone at the Door

Hand in hand with the consideration above, but it also applies everywhere, makes sure you’re leaving your phone and any other technology you don’t really need at the door where it won’t distract you. Research shows that even having your phone on the desk next to you can be enough to distract you and take your mind away from the task at hand, so make sure you’re keeping it out of view.

This point also refers to tablets, laptops, televisions, and anything else you might find yourself picking up and playing with. It’s far too easy to fall into the rabbit hole, so avoid going near it. FocusMe can help you stay focused, and even if you want to use your smartphone, make sure to install a free FocusMe app to eliminate distractions.

#3 – Research Everything First

I’ve always found that one of the biggest distractions comes from the internet. Of course, if you’re writing on your computer, then it’s easy to get onto the internet in just a click or two, and then once again we’re in the rabbit hole. However, there are going to be times you need to go onto the internet to research what you’re writing.

To counteract the risk of falling into cat pictures and funny videos, make sure you’re spending a dedicated amount of time researching what you’re going to write first, get everything together, and then disconnect from the internet to stop you going on it.

#4 – Keep a Tidy Desk

If there’s visual clutter on your desk, this is one of the most common yet subtlest ways to find yourself distracted. Even when you’re in the full flow of writing, with clutter and other bits of paper and books in your peripherals, it’s easy for your mind to wander and you’ll quickly find yourself distracted.

Instead, make sure you’re keeping your writing space tidy, clean and free from clutter and mess. The tidier your environment, the more productive and focused you’ll be.

#5 – Have a Writing Schedule

Forming a habit for writing is one of the best ways to get your mind into gear, focused, and to help train yourself to get into the zone. One of the best ways to do this is to set yourself a writing schedule, which means choosing to write between certain times.

While it may take a while to get into originally, over time this is a sure-fire way to get your brain into gear and to stop your mind becoming distracted on other things, such as what else you’re doing throughout the day and jobs you need to do. Writing time is writing time.

#6 – Take Dedicated Breaks

When you’re writing, it can be hard to stay focused for long periods of time, unless you’re really engaged in what you’re doing. As a rule of thumb, it’s important to take breaks every 20-25 minutes to stretch, to get up and move around, and to take a breather.

“Writing is a really mentally-draining activity, so make sure you’re giving your brain time to breath and refocus, rather than trying to push through and end up burning yourself out,” explains Sarah Farrow, an editor for AustralianHelp and Academized.

#7 – Listen to Ambient Music

You might like to listen to your favorite playlist while you’re writing, or you might not like to listen to music at all, but listening to something good can get you caught up and distracted when you’re singing along or dancing to the beat. On the other hand, no music can distract you if there are lots of things going on around you.

However, the balance here would be to listen to ambient music. There’s plenty to choose from, from classical music, bird song or ocean sounds, or even listening to a simple and relaxing meditation playlist can be a great way to get your head in the zone.

#8 – Break Your Tasks Down

When it comes to writing something big or working on a big project, you might find the task really overwhelming and stressful, and this can put you off and make you not want to work on in. Instead, break the task down into smaller chunks that are manageable and easy!

#9 – Set Yourself a Deadline

“People tend to work well under pressure, so by setting yourself a deadline to complete your work, you’ll be far more focused on making sure you complete it, thus keeping you more focused on your writing. Treat yourself to a reward when you complete it,” shares Benjamin Turner, a writer from State of Writing and Big Assignments.

#10 – Identify Your Weak Spots

We all have different things in our lives that distract us, and what distracts me might not necessarily distract you. This is why it’s so important to make sure you’re singling out what distracts you and being mindful of your process, enabling you to identify what you need to work on.

Summary

As you can see, while there are lots of distractions in the world, there are also plenty of ways to make sure you stay focused and on task. Experiment with different approaches and find what works for you!

Chloe Bennet is a book marketer at BoomEssays and Essayroo services. She helps to create a book buzz and is a guru of bookstagram. Also, Chloe teaches creative writing at UKWritings academic portal.

The post 10 Need-to-Know Ways to Minimize Distractions While Writing appeared first on FocusMe.

The following collection contains some of the most popular and powerful productivity quotes out there. We’ll also try to analyze the meaning and help you learn from some of the brightest minds in the history of mankind.

1.  All things will be produced in superior quantity and quality, and with greater ease, when each man works at a single occupation, in accordance with his natural gifts, and at the right moment, without meddling with anything else ~ Plato

This famous Plato quote pinpoints one of the main principles of productivity – refrain from multitasking and focus on what you’re capable of doing best.

If you have a talent or a passion, you should pursue it. This will definitely have a positive effect on your productivity level.

2.  Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new ~ Albert Einstein

Einstein is telling you that it’s ok to make mistakes. If you don’t, you’ll never learn and come up with ways to do a better job in the future.

3.  Absorb what is useful, reject what is useless, add what is specifically your own ~ – Bruce Lee

Don’t be afraid to do things your own way.

As you can see, some of the brightest and most distinctive people in history haven’t been afraid of learning from others while also giving the process their own twist. You should try to do the same.

4.  Do the hard jobs first. The easy jobs will take care of themselves ~ Dale Carnegie

The importance of prioritizing tasks is one of the keys to a higher level of productivity.

You should certainly jump into a challenge instead of feeling threatened by it. The moment you’re done with a hard task, you’ll enjoy a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that will keep you going throughout the day.

5.  The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing ~ Walt Disney

How many excuses do you have for not doing something? How much time do you use to justify your inactivity instead of just going out there and making change happen?

You should learn from those who have accomplished a lot in their lives and Walt Disney is a bright example. Refrain from focusing on what you can’t accomplish and stop talking about your plans. Just find the courage to make the first step.

6.  It’s not always that we need to do more but rather that we need to focus on less ~ Nathan W. Morris

Multi-tasking? Forget about it! If you want to be productive, you have to give yourself a chance to prioritize a few key tasks and to handle those in the best possible manner.

7.  Productivity is being able to do things that you were never able to do before ~ Franz Kafka

What’s your limit? The answer is that you don’t have one! Try something new and you’ll certainly see yourself accomplishing something you never believed that you could.

8.  The purpose of life is not to be happy—but to matter, to be productive, to be useful, to have it make some difference that you lived at all ~ Leo Rosten

If you want to examine productivity in a more philosophical context, this quote is the right one for you.

The more you get done, the bigger your impact on the world is going to be. Even if the change affects solely your coworkers or the people that you love, you will still experience a massive sense of fulfillment.

9.  Once you have mastered time, you will understand how true it is that most people overestimate what they can accomplish in a year – and underestimate what they can achieve in a decade! ~ Tony Robbins

Time is a relative concept. When you have a lot to finish, it seems to go by faster. When you’re bored, it slows down. Once you understand the passage of time and your own capabilities, you’ll become much more capable of managing the work that you do and the things you intend to accomplish.

And here are a few additional quotes that don’t really need an explanation.

10.  It is well to be up before daybreak, for such habits contribute to health, wealth, and wisdom ~ Aristotle

11.  The true price of anything you do is the amount of time you exchange for it ~ Henry David Thoreau

12.  There’s a tendency to mistake preparation for productivity. You can prepare all you want, but if you never roll the dice you’ll never be successful ~ Shia LaBeouf

13.  Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. As with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it ~ Steve Jobs

14.  There are risks and costs to action. But they are far less than the long-range risks of comfortable inaction ~ John F. Kennedy

15.  Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work ~ Stephen King

16.  Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you ~Oprah Winfrey

17.  He that rises late must trot all day ~ Benjamin Franklin

18.  If you are interested in balancing work and pleasure, stop trying to balance them. Instead make your work more pleasurable ~ Donald Trump

19.  It’s hard to beat a person who never gives up ~ Babe Ruth

20.  Sometimes, things may not go your way, but the effort should be there every single night ~ Michael Jordan

Hopefully, these quotes will make your day, give you the strength and the energy that you’ll need to succeed. Don’t hesitate to explore new opportunities, to grow and become a better person. A higher level of productivity is often hidden in the little details.

The post 20 Most Popular Productivity Quotes to Inspire Your Day appeared first on FocusMe.

How was your final week? We would love to hear about it in the comments below. 

Sue: So we’ve made it! I’ve verified my word count – 50154 words. That’s 24k for my children’s story, The Smuggler and 26k of my novel, Three Faced Doll.

Tricia: Yay, we did and with two days to spare. As you know I started with Cold Sheets but shifted to The Coal Miner’s Son, sequel or standalone to House of Grace, because the pull to return was just too much. I’m pleased to say that my combination of 57352 words consisted of 13078 and a whopping total in excess of 44,000 to the Coal Miner’s Son. Yippee.

Sue: My last 12k words are very rough – I’ll have to do a lot of editing, but then that’s the aim of Nano – just get the words down and tidy them up later. I shall be back to my editing now. I’d like to get both books finished and out there.

Tricia: Likewise, Sue. I look forward to seeing The Smuggler Story and Three Faced Doll in publication.  For me, Nano allowed me to type up a framework that I can edit and layer. This is my favourite part as it’s where my story comes to life. I don’t anticipate a release date for The Coal Miner’s Son prior to March 2019. However, as a celebration of gaining the MA qualification, and winning Nano, I have a special promotion for House of Grace on Amazon Kindle from 30^th November 2018 for one week only. It will sell at a silly price of 99p/99c – less than a cup of coffee! So, if anyone wants to grab a copy and catch up on the story before The Coal Miner’s Son is released – now’s the time. Check out the link here.

Sue: It’s great to be a Nano winner. And it means I’ve also earned my 40% discount on my FocusMe subscription. Yay!

Tricia: It is. This is my first time as a Nano winner and having a Nano buddy, and FocusMe, definitely helps. The added bonus of 40% discount off FocusMe subscription for winning Nano is not to be scoffed at.

Congratulations to Suzi and Tricia. You deserve this badge and thanks for using FocusMe throughout NaNoWriMo 2018 and beyond.

Suzi Bamblett and Patricia M Osborne (known as Tricia to her friends), writing buddies for a long time, have decided to tackle NaNoWriMo together this year. Suzi has recently submitted her dissertation, the final module for her MA in Creative Writing at Brighton University. She is now in the process of completing her novel Three Faced Doll, a psychological thriller. If you want to know more about Suzi Bamblett check out her blog Broodleroo – Scribbles and Reflections.  

Patricia M Osborne is a novelist, poet and short story writer. She also completed the MA in Creative Writing at Brighton University this year. Her debut novel House of Grace- A Family Saga has received a ‘Chill with a Book’ Readers Award. To find out more about Patricia and her books jump straight onto Twitter or Facebook: Patricia M Osborne, Writer.

The post Final Nano Progress Report Week #4 appeared first on FocusMe.

Sue: So we’re three quarters through Nano. I’m at 36k words which is not so bad. I’m hosting another Write In this week. Last Saturday I wrote around 3500 words in the morning session so it was worthwhile. How’s it going with you?

Tricia: It’s going so quickly, isn’t it? I’m a little below target at the moment with just under 33,000 but hoping to move on more later today and give it a good push tomorrow. Sunday, I have my grandson’s Christening, so may not manage anything. I’m determined to win this Nano though. Good luck at the Write In tomorrow. I think you’re very brave hosting.

Sue: I’m finding it hard now not to edit as I go, and when I get into editing, my word count goes right down. I’ve been using FocusMe to keep me more focused on just moving forward. You can set it, for example, for a twenty or thirty minute sprint. It’s stopping me from going back over the stuff I’ve written. It helps keep my critical self editor at bay!

Tricia: Strangely enough I’ve been very good. Instead of going back and editing I’ve been marking it in red and stating what I need to go back and do. It seems to be working. I’m going to have a lot of work once finished in developing and editing but I don’t mind as that’s my favourite bit. I always think that the layering and editing is what brings the stories alive.

Sue: Hey, well done by the way to both of us! Masters in Creative Writing! Yay!

Tricia: Congratulations to us both. We worked very hard and I enjoyed our journey plus we’d never have become friends if we hadn’t both started.

Sue: We can do this.

Tricia: We certainly can, Sue. Put that editing hat away for a little longer and press on with those words. Get those fingers moving.

Absolutely, keep those fingers moving, you’re almost there! If you need a little push, visit a Write In or grab your writing buddy and do a session right now! If you feel a little stuck and need inspiration you might be interested in this article Steps towards Building a Regular Writing Routine: Find Your Inspiration.

And don’t forget about our amazing offer for all Wrimos! Happy writing!

Suzi Bamblett and Patricia M Osborne (known as Tricia to her friends), writing buddies for a long time, have decided to tackle NaNoWriMo together this year. Suzi has recently submitted her dissertation, the final module for her MA in Creative Writing at Brighton University. She is now in the process of completing her novel Three Faced Doll, a psychological thriller. If you want to know more about Suzi Bamblett check out her blog Broodleroo – Scribbles and Reflections.  

Patricia M Osborne is a novelist, poet and short story writer. She also completed the MA in Creative Writing at Brighton University this year. Her debut novel House of Grace- A Family Saga has received a ‘Chill with a Book’ Readers Award. To find out more about Patricia and her books jump straight onto Twitter or Facebook: Patricia M Osborne, Writer.

The post NaNoWriMo Progress Report Week #3 appeared first on FocusMe.