Limit Distractions With Music
This is part of my Tech Workers' Guide To Distraction Free Work
One way I limit distractions is by listening to music, which makes me feel good. When I feel good, I’m far more likely to stay focused on the task at hand.
I mostly listen to classical music or movie soundtracks. Favorite soundtracks include:
- Inception
- Dances with Wolves
- Titanic
- V for Vendetta
- Last of the Mohicans
- Pride and Prejudice
- Life is Beautiful
- Braveheart
- Pirates of the Caribbean
- 7 Years in Tibet
I also experimented with pipe organ and flamenco guitar music.
Take action: Figure out what kinds of music boost your emotional state and help you stay focused. Note: some readers find that all music distracts them. They work best without music, and that’s ok.
Tech Workers' Guide To Distraction Free Work
Common Problems
Principles
Practices: Just Say No
- Just say No
- Stop Looking For Drama
- Beware Of Taking On Extra Responsibility
- Make an “I won’t do” list
Practices: Say Yes
- Track your distractions
- Stay focused with a To Do list
- Make a “Big Rock” list
- Follow the 2-minute rule
- Try the Pomodoro Technique
- Make a list of questions
Practices: Control Your Physical Environment
- Find your Den of Productivity
- Eliminate distracting belongings
- Limit disruptive noise
- Listen to music
- Silence your phone
Practices: Control Your Digital Environment
- Close your email
- Leave social media
- Close your browser tabs
- Limit distractions from Slack
- Try an app blocker
Practices: Get Organized
What do books say about distraction free work?
“You could try to pound your head against the wall and think of original ideas — or you can cheat by reading them in books.”
—Patrick Collison