A laser is defined as a unit that emits light through a process of optical amplification. Could you imagine thinking of your brain through your eyes as being “optically amplified” during any given task? We always talk about time and self-management, but we never talk about how focused we are during these tasks we work so hard to find time for. How productive could we be if we learned how to “laser in” on our schedule each and every day to accomplish everything quickly and efficiently?
I have found this to be one of the most challenging things for most of us, primarily in the technological world we live in. Occasionally when we commit all our time to one task we feel should be doing something else also. The thought that we’re not being productive in another area crosses the mind and at times can be challenging to manage. While multi-tasking is important for some things, I’ve found that it can also prohibit productivity if not used appropriately to complete each task before moving onto the next.
\While we can try to create systems in our somewhat repetitive mortgage industry, we also know there are way too many distractions in this technological world we live in. With all of the e-mails, voicemails, Internet, social media, text messages, etc., we find it hard at times to be proactive rather than reactive. This might be a greater problem for those of us in the X and Y Generations who feel the need to adapt and evolve in this rapidly changing work force. It’s hard to keep up with all of the changes and advancements in business communication and operations, but it’s imperative to comply to stay ahead.
So what are some things we can do to operate with this technology while making sure we remain focused and refrain from being distracted?
Complete easy tasks first
Warm up your brain in the morning and quickly move through your to-do list by checking off the shorter and less time-consuming tasks.
Be cautious about multi-tasking
If you are dealing with any task of importance, focus on the task 100 percent until complete. If you start the process and continue to get distracted and come back to it time and time again, you’ll find the day is over and the task is not complete. You’ve failed in your multi-tasking efforts.
Clear your mind and take a break
If you need time to yourself, get out of the office. Taking a break throughout the day will help you be more productive and focused during your time spent at the office.
Concentrate and don’t procrastinate
If a task is important or if it will affect something that is important later on, don’t put it off and just get it done.
Get plenty of sleep each night and eat well
Getting plenty of sleep and feeling rested is vital for concentration. Eating well is equally or even more important to sustain insulin and energy levels throughout the day. Don’t feel dragged down, feel uplifted!
Avoid the Internet unless using exclusively for work
We can all get caught in the internet black hole. The “I’ll just check my messages on Facebook really quick” quickly turns into “Why am I looking at a picture of an ape wearing pajamas that Scott liked” an hour later.
Think beyond time and self-management. Build your attention span, don’t restrict it. How productive you are will simply rely on how focused you are. We spend way too much time in the office so we might as well make sure we’re focused enough to justify it. Be a laser.
Tip of the month …
If you don’t have it already, get Jing (Jing.com). It’s a free program that allows you to highlight anything on your computer screen and send it to your clients or business partners. It’s excellent for sharing market updates, information on rate sheets, simple snap-shots, anything you can see on your computer screen. Best of all, it’s free!
Andy W. Harris, CRMS is president and owner of Lake Oswego, Ore.-based Vantage Mortgage Group Inc. and 2010-2011 president of the Oregon Association of Mortgage Professionals. He may be reached by phone at (877) 496-0431 or e-mail
[email protected] or visit AndyHarrisMortgage.com.
