Disasterous Distractions, Why I Love My iPod
August 31st, 2006, by Michael StelznerDoes it ever seem that this age of communication efficiency has lead to workplace chaos? With disruptive technology like instant messaging, email and cell phones, it IS easy to get in touch with people, YET it is harder for us to get work done!
It doesn’t matter if I am writing white papers or just trying to think. I find it overwhelmingly difficult to concentrate now. I would venture to guess I am not alone. Technology has actually made it harder to get things done!
This was not the case only a few years ago…
Enter my iPod. Now I know why iPods are so darn successful. Not only are the cool, they help tune out distractions so we can actually GET WORK DONE.
I find I get my best work accomplished when I am listening to music AND when I:
- Put my phone on “Do not disturb”
- Turn off my cell phone
- Quit my IM application
- Shut off email
- Avoid temptations to surf blogs
I would love to hear how you keep focused in a world of communication arrows that are aimed straight at your time.
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September 1st, 2006 at 4:19 pm
Mike, you’ve hit a nerve. I don’t use an iPod, but I do have a considerable music library on which I often rely on to set a mood. Sometimes it’s classical. Other times I switch to ambient and throw on some Brian Eno or Steve Reich. When I feel like cranking, I’ll put on a little trip-hop or even some Frank Zappa (I’m a long-time fan, I must confess. I still have my original copy of Freak Out on vinyl in the garage somewhere…)
Right now I’m listening to Duet by Steven Reich, performed by the Smith Quartet. Peaceful tunes for a proposal-laden Friday afternoon…
Michael
September 3rd, 2006 at 2:22 pm
Michael - You should consider putting your collection into an iPod and taking it with you everywhere you go. It is a pretty cool experience. - Mike
September 5th, 2006 at 10:13 am
Michael,
I do the same as you. I turn off my phone and put on music (I have an office radio rather than an iPod). However, checking email and reading and responding to blogs remain a constant distraction!
July 24th, 2007 at 2:58 am
How I keep focused? Well, most of the time you don’t. It’s a matter of prioritizing in my opinion. With wi-fi connection all over the place together with products such as the iPhone it is pretty difficult to stay focused these days, but then again is that something bad?