Comments on: How to Increase Productivity by Simply Disconnecting http://www.idesignstudios.com/blog/productivity/how-to-disconnect/ Web Site Design + Development Company Wed, 21 Jul 2010 15:44:34 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 By: behzad http://www.idesignstudios.com/blog/productivity/how-to-disconnect/#comment-26314 behzad Thu, 01 Apr 2010 01:26:55 +0000 http://www.idesignstudios.com/?p=2813#comment-26314 Great article, I should start to discipline myself. Great article, I should start to discipline myself.

]]> By: Ryan Cowles @ Metacom Creative http://www.idesignstudios.com/blog/productivity/how-to-disconnect/#comment-25016 Ryan Cowles @ Metacom Creative Fri, 26 Mar 2010 02:30:04 +0000 http://www.idesignstudios.com/?p=2813#comment-25016 My internet was actually down the other day, and I found my offline productivity improved, haha. It can be difficult not having online tools at your fingertips, but it can also be very helpful in getting things done! .-= Ryan Cowles @ Metacom Creative's last blog post: <a href="http://www.metacomdesign.com/blog/2010/03/amber-stevens-new-website-launch/" rel="nofollow">Amber Stevens New Website Launch</a> =-. My internet was actually down the other day, and I found my offline productivity improved, haha. It can be difficult not having online tools at your fingertips, but it can also be very helpful in getting things done!
Ryan Cowles @ Metacom Creative’s last blog post: Amber Stevens New Website Launch

]]> By: Ian Brodie http://www.idesignstudios.com/blog/productivity/how-to-disconnect/#comment-12241 Ian Brodie Wed, 10 Feb 2010 21:45:41 +0000 http://www.idesignstudios.com/?p=2813#comment-12241 Great tips - thanks Selene. I particularly fall victim to checking email so I have to actually close it down to make sure I don't just flick across to see what's landed in my inbox. I don't know if you've heard of the Pomodoro technique. It's a great free ebook describing a productivity technique that involves disconnecting - then using a kitchen timer (the eponymous Pomodoro) to make sure you're doing blasts of focused work. I use it and it really works - having a physical ticking timer in front of you really focuses your mind much better than a virtual one on your computer or just using your watch. Ian Great tips – thanks Selene. I particularly fall victim to checking email so I have to actually close it down to make sure I don’t just flick across to see what’s landed in my inbox.

I don’t know if you’ve heard of the Pomodoro technique. It’s a great free ebook describing a productivity technique that involves disconnecting – then using a kitchen timer (the eponymous Pomodoro) to make sure you’re doing blasts of focused work. I use it and it really works – having a physical ticking timer in front of you really focuses your mind much better than a virtual one on your computer or just using your watch.

Ian

]]> By: Rahul - Web Guru http://www.idesignstudios.com/blog/productivity/how-to-disconnect/#comment-11536 Rahul - Web Guru Tue, 02 Feb 2010 08:12:06 +0000 http://www.idesignstudios.com/?p=2813#comment-11536 Hello, this was quite a good read for me. Since, at this particular period of time, I feel that my productivity is getting low and would like to increase my efficiency at work. A wonderful and quite helpful post indeed. I will definitely try to follow the points noted above. Thanks. <strong>Oh yes by the way, I like to listen to some soft music to stay in cool state of mind while at work.</strong> Hello, this was quite a good read for me. Since, at this particular period of time, I feel that my productivity is getting low and would like to increase my efficiency at work.

A wonderful and quite helpful post indeed. I will definitely try to follow the points noted above. Thanks.

Oh yes by the way, I like to listen to some soft music to stay in cool state of mind while at work.

]]> By: Joseph Condron http://www.idesignstudios.com/blog/productivity/how-to-disconnect/#comment-11397 Joseph Condron Sun, 31 Jan 2010 20:55:55 +0000 http://www.idesignstudios.com/?p=2813#comment-11397 That was a well-written piece that seemed to touch all the bases. Great work. That was a well-written piece that seemed to touch all the bases. Great work.

]]> By: Daniele K http://www.idesignstudios.com/blog/productivity/how-to-disconnect/#comment-11214 Daniele K Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:29:41 +0000 http://www.idesignstudios.com/?p=2813#comment-11214 Personally, I give myself 10 minutes in the morning, 20 minutes after lunch and 30 minutes before ending my working day. ok it's 1 hour on 9 better than nothing :) d. Personally, I give myself 10 minutes in the morning, 20 minutes after lunch and 30 minutes before ending my working day. ok it’s 1 hour on 9 better than nothing :)

d.

]]> By: David http://www.idesignstudios.com/blog/productivity/how-to-disconnect/#comment-11212 David Thu, 28 Jan 2010 18:17:07 +0000 http://www.idesignstudios.com/?p=2813#comment-11212 I agree with you! As much as some of us are tech freaks, we need to wind down. Like in the Matrix, someone told NEO that he needed to unplug and let loose. :) Determining and implementing our priorities is one of the keys of increasing productivity. That, and a whole lot of caffeine ;) Great post! I agree with you! As much as some of us are tech freaks, we need to wind down. Like in the Matrix, someone told NEO that he needed to unplug and let loose. :)

Determining and implementing our priorities is one of the keys of increasing productivity. That, and a whole lot of caffeine ;)

Great post!

]]> By: Michelle @ Following Your Joy http://www.idesignstudios.com/blog/productivity/how-to-disconnect/#comment-11208 Michelle @ Following Your Joy Thu, 28 Jan 2010 17:19:33 +0000 http://www.idesignstudios.com/?p=2813#comment-11208 Selene, You are right-on! And that's what made our working relationship so productive! When we corresponded, I always felt like I got the full "you," as you didn't allow yourself to get distracted by all the other things that can easily grab one's attention. I, too, believe that in order to be more focused, productive, and effective...it's all about connecting with what's most important in the moment, and letting all else go off the radar for the moment. This is definitely one of the biggest issues that my clients--who are busy professionals--struggle with. Thanks for this great post and for all the helpful tips and tricks! Rock on! Michelle Selene,

You are right-on! And that’s what made our working relationship so productive! When we corresponded, I always felt like I got the full “you,” as you didn’t allow yourself to get distracted by all the other things that can easily grab one’s attention.

I, too, believe that in order to be more focused, productive, and effective…it’s all about connecting with what’s most important in the moment, and letting all else go off the radar for the moment. This is definitely one of the biggest issues that my clients–who are busy professionals–struggle with.

Thanks for this great post and for all the helpful tips and tricks!

Rock on!
Michelle

]]> By: You are now listed on FAQPAL http://www.idesignstudios.com/blog/productivity/how-to-disconnect/#comment-11201 You are now listed on FAQPAL Thu, 28 Jan 2010 15:32:30 +0000 http://www.idesignstudios.com/?p=2813#comment-11201 <strong>How to Increase Productivity by Simply Disconnecting...</strong> While the suggestions below are mostly common sense, and quite frankly nothing you probably haven’t already heard, sometimes you need a bit of a reminder – myself included! These are all tried and true tricks that work, as long as you commit yourself t... How to Increase Productivity by Simply Disconnecting…

While the suggestions below are mostly common sense, and quite frankly nothing you probably haven’t already heard, sometimes you need a bit of a reminder – myself included! These are all tried and true tricks that work, as long as you commit yourself t…

]]> By: The Teknisyan http://www.idesignstudios.com/blog/productivity/how-to-disconnect/#comment-11164 The Teknisyan Wed, 27 Jan 2010 20:58:19 +0000 http://www.idesignstudios.com/?p=2813#comment-11164 it doesn't take a genius to know all of this. we just need to know our priority and the things that needs to be done. But people behind these social networking site, im programs, smartphones, gadgets... are so good that they can even tell you that you will have superpowers when you play farmville for 10 hours straight. :-) .-= The Teknisyan's last blog post: <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/teknisyan/~3/6yCxh0v2rHY/ipad-by-apple.html" rel="nofollow">iPad by Apple!</a> =-. it doesn’t take a genius to know all of this. we just need to know our priority and the things that needs to be done. But people behind these social networking site, im programs, smartphones, gadgets… are so good that they can even tell you that you will have superpowers when you play farmville for 10 hours straight. :-)
The Teknisyan’s last blog post: iPad by Apple!

]]> By: Tweets that mention How to Increase Productivity by Simply Disconnecting | iDesign Studios -- Topsy.com http://www.idesignstudios.com/blog/productivity/how-to-disconnect/#comment-11104 Tweets that mention How to Increase Productivity by Simply Disconnecting | iDesign Studios -- Topsy.com Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:06:13 +0000 http://www.idesignstudios.com/?p=2813#comment-11104 [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Calvin Lee, Creattica, bkmacdaddy designs, Mike Lane, jeremy and others. jeremy said: Latest Post: How to Increase Productivity by Simply Disconnecting http://goo.gl/fb/eGPY (via @idesignstudios) [...] [...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Calvin Lee, Creattica, bkmacdaddy designs, Mike Lane, jeremy and others. jeremy said: Latest Post: How to Increase Productivity by Simply Disconnecting http://goo.gl/fb/eGPY (via @idesignstudios) [...]

]]> By: SaraKate http://www.idesignstudios.com/blog/productivity/how-to-disconnect/#comment-11101 SaraKate Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:14:22 +0000 http://www.idesignstudios.com/?p=2813#comment-11101 Great tips, Selene. I recently (just a few months ago) turned off the incoming email notifications at work, set TweetDeck API calls back to less frequent intervals, and logged out of personal email while at work just about entirely. This has helped immensely with distractions. Disconnecting can be a powerful thing. I usually check my work email about once an hour or so throughout the day since my boss and I often communicate that way and my priorities may change if there are emails that need immediate attention. That said, I am also trying to keep as few emails in my inbox as possible. When I get an email, I try to DO the thing in the email, check it off my list, respond, or do whatever I need to do to turn that email into an action and get it done. Once I've done that, I delete the email (or put it in the appropriate folder). In the last month or so, I've managed to keep the number of emails in my inbox under ten (for the most part) and I feel like a great weight (and huge distraction) has been lifted off my shoulders. .-= SaraKate's last blog post: <a href="http://seakisst.wordpress.com/2010/01/25/062-a-meditation-circle-of-life/" rel="nofollow">062. A Meditation: Circle of Life</a> =-. Great tips, Selene. I recently (just a few months ago) turned off the incoming email notifications at work, set TweetDeck API calls back to less frequent intervals, and logged out of personal email while at work just about entirely. This has helped immensely with distractions. Disconnecting can be a powerful thing. I usually check my work email about once an hour or so throughout the day since my boss and I often communicate that way and my priorities may change if there are emails that need immediate attention. That said, I am also trying to keep as few emails in my inbox as possible. When I get an email, I try to DO the thing in the email, check it off my list, respond, or do whatever I need to do to turn that email into an action and get it done. Once I’ve done that, I delete the email (or put it in the appropriate folder). In the last month or so, I’ve managed to keep the number of emails in my inbox under ten (for the most part) and I feel like a great weight (and huge distraction) has been lifted off my shoulders.
SaraKate’s last blog post: 062. A Meditation: Circle of Life

]]> By: Arlene http://www.idesignstudios.com/blog/productivity/how-to-disconnect/#comment-11097 Arlene Tue, 26 Jan 2010 19:00:38 +0000 http://www.idesignstudios.com/?p=2813#comment-11097 Funny you should post this today. I spent the entire morning listing what I needed to trim back to be more productive. Guess it didn't work, I opened tweetdeck, found this link, read it, and whats worse, we need to add to the list .. clicking on the links in the comments and reading their blogs! Yikes, I just lost another hour. So, I'm closing this up and trying to make up for lost time! LOL...thanks for letting me know I'm not the only one who loses my day in all these thingS! Funny you should post this today. I spent the entire morning listing what I needed to trim back to be more productive. Guess it didn’t work, I opened tweetdeck, found this link, read it, and whats worse, we need to add to the list .. clicking on the links in the comments and reading their blogs! Yikes, I just lost another hour. So, I’m closing this up and trying to make up for lost time! LOL…thanks for letting me know I’m not the only one who loses my day in all these thingS!

]]> By: Doug C. http://www.idesignstudios.com/blog/productivity/how-to-disconnect/#comment-11096 Doug C. Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:35:56 +0000 http://www.idesignstudios.com/?p=2813#comment-11096 Selene, thanks for this article. It reminded me of one of my New Years resolutions - trimming my non-reciprocative Twitter followers (or non-followers). I decided I'm tired of following a bunch of people who never interact with me, my sites, or what I write. I've been wanting to do this for a while now and then just start following those people who truly interact with me and what I do. Selene, thanks for this article. It reminded me of one of my New Years resolutions – trimming my non-reciprocative Twitter followers (or non-followers).

I decided I’m tired of following a bunch of people who never interact with me, my sites, or what I write. I’ve been wanting to do this for a while now and then just start following those people who truly interact with me and what I do.

]]> By: Doug C. http://www.idesignstudios.com/blog/productivity/how-to-disconnect/#comment-11095 Doug C. Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:56:44 +0000 http://www.idesignstudios.com/?p=2813#comment-11095 Twitter isn't too much of a distraction, mainly because I never get any reciprocating activity from it so it feels like a waste of time. I absolutely abhor Facebook so that one isn't a problem. I don't have any third-party apps and I rarely open Messenger. I guess I got quite the productivity persona, eh? Twitter isn’t too much of a distraction, mainly because I never get any reciprocating activity from it so it feels like a waste of time. I absolutely abhor Facebook so that one isn’t a problem. I don’t have any third-party apps and I rarely open Messenger.

I guess I got quite the productivity persona, eh?

]]> By: Andrea_r http://www.idesignstudios.com/blog/productivity/how-to-disconnect/#comment-11094 Andrea_r Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:42:06 +0000 http://www.idesignstudios.com/?p=2813#comment-11094 :D Great tips! Now retweet this every day as a reminder to us slackers. ;) There's a setting in tweetdeck to change to make sure it actually exists (and not just minimizes) when you click the X in the corner. I've also blocked myself form visiting a few sites, by redirecting them in my computer's hosts file. (yes, seriously). Even though I know I can go change it, it's reminder enough. .-= Andrea_r's last blog post: <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/WpmuTutorials/~3/ale9b_7Addk/" rel="nofollow">The Benevolence of the WP Community</a> =-. :D Great tips! Now retweet this every day as a reminder to us slackers. ;)

There’s a setting in tweetdeck to change to make sure it actually exists (and not just minimizes) when you click the X in the corner.

I’ve also blocked myself form visiting a few sites, by redirecting them in my computer’s hosts file. (yes, seriously). Even though I know I can go change it, it’s reminder enough.
Andrea_r’s last blog post: The Benevolence of the WP Community

]]> By: Dianne http://www.idesignstudios.com/blog/productivity/how-to-disconnect/#comment-11090 Dianne Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:01:08 +0000 http://www.idesignstudios.com/?p=2813#comment-11090 Selene, I'm really glad you stopped procrastinating and wrote this post!! It's fantastic.. working smarter is definitely the way to go :) I picked up a few great tips that will help me overcome some distractions! KUDOS :) .-= Dianne's last blog post: <a href="http://www.wahm-cafe.com/2010/01/26/direct-sales-dictionary-for-beginners-%E2%80%93-part-2/" rel="nofollow">Direct Sales Dictionary for Beginners – Part 2</a> =-. Selene, I’m really glad you stopped procrastinating and wrote this post!! It’s fantastic.. working smarter is definitely the way to go :) I picked up a few great tips that will help me overcome some distractions! KUDOS :)
Dianne’s last blog post: Direct Sales Dictionary for Beginners – Part 2

]]> By: danc http://www.idesignstudios.com/blog/productivity/how-to-disconnect/#comment-11088 danc Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:34:56 +0000 http://www.idesignstudios.com/?p=2813#comment-11088 Hi Selene, finally you released a new post, after a long wait. I think the final solution to get productivity is to be more self discipline and work smarter. Otherwise, it is just a empty talk. RIght. :) Hi Selene, finally you released a new post, after a long wait. I think the final solution to get productivity is to be more self discipline and work smarter. Otherwise, it is just a empty talk. RIght. :)

]]> By: Nicole Johnson http://www.idesignstudios.com/blog/productivity/how-to-disconnect/#comment-11084 Nicole Johnson Tue, 26 Jan 2010 16:02:42 +0000 http://www.idesignstudios.com/?p=2813#comment-11084 Great post, Selene! I can't EVEN imagine setting my email client to anything more than 5 minutes let alone 2 hours! :O LOL However, you have inspired me, so I might try 30 minutes once I'm "done" with e-mail for the time being. And, do you know how many times I close my browser only to open it back up again? Too many. It's such a distraction! I, too, put my Blackberry on "phone only" though, otherwise the alerts drive me nuts all day. Anyway, I just wanted you to know you're not alone and I loved the tips. .-= Nicole Johnson's last blog post: <a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/babysleepsite/~3/EXl0ZGtwjMY/" rel="nofollow">Your Baby Won’t Sleep – It’s Your Fault</a> =-. Great post, Selene! I can’t EVEN imagine setting my email client to anything more than 5 minutes let alone 2 hours! :O LOL However, you have inspired me, so I might try 30 minutes once I’m “done” with e-mail for the time being. And, do you know how many times I close my browser only to open it back up again? Too many. It’s such a distraction! I, too, put my Blackberry on “phone only” though, otherwise the alerts drive me nuts all day. Anyway, I just wanted you to know you’re not alone and I loved the tips.
Nicole Johnson’s last blog post: Your Baby Won’t Sleep – It’s Your Fault

]]> By: Peter Safwat http://www.idesignstudios.com/blog/productivity/how-to-disconnect/#comment-11077 Peter Safwat Tue, 26 Jan 2010 14:24:23 +0000 http://www.idesignstudios.com/?p=2813#comment-11077 Amazing tips Selene, But really hard to apply. what you are talking about in this post is the main problem of my life, I really had a very hard time to organize my time and stop wasting a big part of it on mails and social networks etc... you have really mentioned most of the solutions that i could think of(even though they are hard to apply). I could add only 1 thing which is that you really have to be 100% decided that you don't want to waste your time and that you will not let any thing takes your attention away from you goals Amazing tips Selene, But really hard to apply. what you are talking about in this post is the main problem of my life, I really had a very hard time to organize my time and stop wasting a big part of it on mails and social networks etc… you have really mentioned most of the solutions that i could think of(even though they are hard to apply). I could add only 1 thing which is that you really have to be 100% decided that you don’t want to waste your time and that you will not let any thing takes your attention away from you goals

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