For most people, this is a tiny bad habit and a waste of time. But research shows that it’s actually a thinking tool, a powerful exercise that can be beneficial to our ability to focus. What’s more, it helps you be more mindful, productive and creative.
So, being a doodler may be one of your biggest assets. During a business meeting or a lecture, it’s what lets you listen more carefully, and not just remember more from what’s being said, but also internalise it.
When you’re procrastinating because you don’t know where to start, aren’t feeling like it or are just distracted, begin doodling. You’ll come up with ideas and your mind will be recharged.
To-do lists are one of the simplest productivity tools out there, but they still serve us well. How about a not to-do one?
Together with writing down what you need to get done during the day and crossing off an item whenever it’s completed, you can also have a section for the things you should avoid doing, like bad habits and things that make you procrastinate and lose focus.
You’ll first need to identify the biggest distractions from daily life.
How does this help you? Well, you become aware of the main factors that are preventing you from concentrating and keep them in mind throughout the whole day.
Sometimes, just a quick reminder of what we shouldn’t be doing, or even thinking about, can work wonders.
Some items you can include are checking email too often, not using social media when you’re doing your most important work for the day, not overthinking before starting a project, not multitasking, not thinking about the work you’ll be doing later (but focusing on what’s next on your list and giving it your undivided attention).
