We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Tommy van Schaik
This course will teach you the best-of-breed approaches to dealing with distractions in the workplace and protecting your productivity.
Read more
This course will teach you the best-of-breed approaches to dealing with distractions in the workplace and protecting your productivity.
Read more
This course will teach you the best-of-breed approaches to dealing with distractions in the workplace and protecting your productivity.
Distractions are plentiful in the modern workplace and they have a devastating effect on our productivity. In this course, Protecting Yourself from Distractions, you will gain the ability to apply the best practices for handling distractions and protecting your productivity. First, you will learn why distractions are so devastating for your productivity. Next, you will discover the concept of hyper-focus and how this helps you to become more productive. Finally, you will learn how to apply best practices for handling distractions in the workplace. When you are finished with this course, you will have the skills and knowledge to handle distractions and make sure you spend your time as productive as possible.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/2ptph8/protecting
What's inside
Syllabus
Course Overview
Distractions and Your Productivity
Multitasking and Information Overload
How to Handle Distractions
Read more
Syllabus
Course Overview
Distractions and Your Productivity
Multitasking and Information Overload
How to Handle Distractions
Read more
Good to know
Good to know
Know what's good ,
what to watch for , and
possible dealbreakers
Explains the impact of distractions on productivity
Introduces the concept of hyperfocus for improving productivity
Provides best practices for handling distractions in the workplace
Suitable for professionals seeking to enhance their productivity
May be useful for individuals struggling with workplace distractions
Provides a focused approach to addressing distractions
Save this course
Save Protecting Yourself from Distractions to your list so you can find it easily later:
Save
Save
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Protecting Yourself from Distractions with these
activities:
Practice Focused Attention
Show steps
Practice focusing on tasks for a short period of time to improve your ability to concentrate and avoid distractions.
Browse courses on
Focus and Concentration
Show steps
-
Choose a simple task to focus on, such as reading or writing.
-
Set a timer for 10 minutes and try to focus on the task for the entire time.
-
If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the task.
-
Gradually increase the amount of time you can focus for.
Practice Multitasking
Show steps
Practice multitasking to improve your ability to handle multiple tasks at once. Note: Research indicates multitasking causes a drop in productivity.
Browse courses on
Multitasking
Show steps
-
Choose two or three tasks that you can do simultaneously.
-
Set a timer for 10 minutes and try to complete as many tasks as possible.
-
If you find yourself getting distracted, take a deep breath and bring your attention back to the tasks.
-
Repeat this exercise for several days.
Distraction Resistance Exercises
Show steps
Practice ignoring distractions and staying focused on the task at hand.
Show steps
-
Find a quiet place to work.
-
Set a timer for 10 minutes and try to focus on your work.
-
If you find yourself getting distracted, take a deep breath and bring your attention back to your work.
-
Repeat this exercise for several days.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Learn About Hyperfocus
Show steps
Learn about the concept of hyperfocus and how it can help you to become more productive.
Show steps
-
Watch a video or read an article about hyperfocus.
-
Identify situations in which you can use hyperfocus to your advantage.
-
Experiment with different techniques to induce hyperfocus.
Join a Study Group
Show steps
Join a study group to discuss the course material and help each other stay on track.
Show steps
-
Find a study group that meets your schedule and learning style.
-
Attend the study group meetings regularly.
-
Participate in the discussions and ask questions.
-
Help other group members with their understanding of the material.
Create a Distraction-Free Workspace
Show steps
Create a workspace that is free of distractions so that you can focus more easily.
Show steps
-
Identify the distractions in your workspace and eliminate them.
-
Organize your workspace so that everything you need is within easy reach.
-
Set aside specific times for checking email and social media.
-
Consider using a noise-cancelling headset or earplugs to block out noise.
Participate in a Coding Challenge
Show steps
Participating in a coding challenge can help you to improve your programming skills and learn how to work under pressure. Note: This activity may not be relevant for all courses.
Browse courses on
Coding
Show steps
-
Find a coding challenge that is relevant to your interests and skill level.
-
Set aside some time to practice for the challenge.
-
Participate in the challenge and do your best.
-
Review your performance and identify areas for improvement.
Read 'Deep Work' by Cal Newport
Show steps
This book provides insights into the importance of deep work and how to cultivate it in your life.
View
Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the book.
-
Take notes on the key concepts.
-
Identify ways to apply the concepts to your own life.
Practice Focused Attention
Show steps
Practice focusing on tasks for a short period of time to improve your ability to concentrate and avoid distractions.
Browse courses on
Focus and Concentration
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a simple task to focus on, such as reading or writing.
- Set a timer for 10 minutes and try to focus on the task for the entire time.
- If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to the task.
- Gradually increase the amount of time you can focus for.
Practice Multitasking
Show steps
Practice multitasking to improve your ability to handle multiple tasks at once. Note: Research indicates multitasking causes a drop in productivity.
Browse courses on
Multitasking
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose two or three tasks that you can do simultaneously.
- Set a timer for 10 minutes and try to complete as many tasks as possible.
- If you find yourself getting distracted, take a deep breath and bring your attention back to the tasks.
- Repeat this exercise for several days.
Distraction Resistance Exercises
Show steps
Practice ignoring distractions and staying focused on the task at hand.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a quiet place to work.
- Set a timer for 10 minutes and try to focus on your work.
- If you find yourself getting distracted, take a deep breath and bring your attention back to your work.
- Repeat this exercise for several days.
Five other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all eight activities
Learn About Hyperfocus
Show steps
Learn about the concept of hyperfocus and how it can help you to become more productive.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Watch a video or read an article about hyperfocus.
- Identify situations in which you can use hyperfocus to your advantage.
- Experiment with different techniques to induce hyperfocus.
Join a Study Group
Show steps
Join a study group to discuss the course material and help each other stay on track.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a study group that meets your schedule and learning style.
- Attend the study group meetings regularly.
- Participate in the discussions and ask questions.
- Help other group members with their understanding of the material.
Create a Distraction-Free Workspace
Show steps
Create a workspace that is free of distractions so that you can focus more easily.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify the distractions in your workspace and eliminate them.
- Organize your workspace so that everything you need is within easy reach.
- Set aside specific times for checking email and social media.
- Consider using a noise-cancelling headset or earplugs to block out noise.
Participate in a Coding Challenge
Show steps
Participating in a coding challenge can help you to improve your programming skills and learn how to work under pressure. Note: This activity may not be relevant for all courses.
Browse courses on
Coding
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find a coding challenge that is relevant to your interests and skill level.
- Set aside some time to practice for the challenge.
- Participate in the challenge and do your best.
- Review your performance and identify areas for improvement.
Read 'Deep Work' by Cal Newport
Show steps
This book provides insights into the importance of deep work and how to cultivate it in your life.
View
Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the book.
- Take notes on the key concepts.
- Identify ways to apply the concepts to your own life.
Career center
Learners who complete Protecting Yourself from Distractions will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Project Manager
Project Manager
Project Managers are responsible for developing plans and strategies for projects, as well as executing those plans and strategies and keeping projects on track. As a Project Manager, you will need to know how to protect yourself from distractions and you will need to be able to help your team members stay focused on their tasks. A course like "Protecting Yourself from Distractions" can teach you how to effectively handle distractions in the workplace.
Business Analyst
Business Analyst
Business Analysts help organizations to improve their business processes. As a Business Analyst, you will need to be able to focus on your work and to avoid distractions. A course like "Protecting Yourself from Distractions" may be useful, as it can teach you how to stay focused and avoid distractions in the workplace.
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistant
Administrative Assistants provide support to executives and managers. As an Administrative Assistant, you will need to be able to multitask and you will need to be able to stay focused on your tasks even when there are a lot of distractions around you. A course like "Protecting Yourself from Distractions" may be useful, as it can teach you how to handle distractions and stay focused on your work.
Office Manager
Office Manager
An Office Manager is responsible for the daily operations of an office. As an Office Manager, you will need to be able to manage multiple tasks and you will need to be able to stay focused even when there are a lot of distractions around you. A course like "Protecting Yourself from Distractions" can help you to develop the skills you need to be successful in this position.
Executive Assistant
Executive Assistant
Executive Assistants provide support to executives and managers. As an Executive Assistant, you will need to be able to multitask and you will need to be able to stay focused on your tasks even when there are a lot of distractions around you. A course like "Protecting Yourself from Distractions" may be useful, as it can teach you how to handle distractions and stay focused on your work.
Productivity Analyst
Productivity Analyst
A Productivity Analyst specializes in finding ways to make people in a given role or organization more productive. To be a successful Productivity Analyst, you will need to learn how to identify and address distractions in the workplace. A course like "Protecting Yourself from Distractions" may be useful, as it can teach you how to observe workers and their workspaces and to make recommendations for increasing productivity.
Workflow Specialist
Workflow Specialist
A Workflow Specialist studies the way that work is done in an organization and finds ways to improve efficiency. As a Workflow Specialist, you could work across multiple areas within a given organization, including IT, customer service, operations, and research. You will need to understand how distractions impact the workflow of employees. A course like "Protecting Yourself from Distractions" may be useful, as it can teach you how to improve productivity and optimize workflows by improving the ability of employees to focus on their tasks.
Data Analyst
Data Analyst
Data Analysts collect, analyze, and interpret data to help organizations make better decisions. As a Data Analyst, you will need to be able to focus on your work and to avoid distractions. A course like "Protecting Yourself from Distractions" may be useful, as it can teach you how to stay focused and avoid distractions in the workplace.
Operations Manager
Operations Manager
An Operations Manager, also known as an Operations Director, is responsible for the daily operations of a company. As an Operations Manager, you will need to be able to identify processes that can be improved.
Consultant
Consultant
Consultants provide advice to organizations on how to improve their performance. As a Consultant, you will need to be able to focus on your work and to avoid distractions. A course like "Protecting Yourself from Distractions" may be useful, as it can teach you how to stay focused and avoid distractions in the workplace.
Software Engineer
Software Engineer
Software Engineers design, develop, and maintain software applications. It is important to be able to focus intensely when dealing with complex coding problems.
Accountant
Accountant
Accountants analyze financial data and prepare financial reports. It is imperative to carefully review all financial data without skipping or skimming any information.
Teacher
Teacher
Teachers provide instruction to students in schools and other educational settings. It is vital to avoid losing focus when interacting with students and managing a classroom environment.
Customer Service Representative
Customer Service Representative
Customer Service Representatives provide assistance to customers over the phone, email, or chat. It is important to practice undivided attention when listening to and addressing customer concerns.
Nurse
Nurse
Nurses provide care to patients in hospitals and other healthcare settings. It is critical to maintain full attention and focus when working in fast-paced and high-pressure environments.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/2ptph8/protecting
Reading list
We've selected ten books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Protecting Yourself from Distractions.
Save
Explores the concept of deep work, which is the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task. It provides strategies for cultivating this ability and achieving success in a world that is increasingly filled with distractions.
Save
Provides a framework for understanding the science of distraction and offers practical strategies for overcoming it. It teaches readers how to identify their triggers, develop coping mechanisms, and create an environment that supports focus.
Explores the science of habit formation and provides insights into how we can change our habits and improve our lives. It can be helpful for understanding the role of habits in distraction and developing strategies for breaking bad habits.
Provides a practical guide to building good habits and breaking bad ones. It offers simple, evidence-based strategies that can be applied to any area of life, including managing distractions.
Explores the science of attention and memory and provides strategies for managing information overload. It can be helpful for understanding the cognitive processes involved in distraction and developing strategies for improving focus.
Save
Provides a system for managing tasks and projects and reducing stress. It can be helpful for developing strategies for managing distractions and staying organized.
Save
Provides a program for overcoming procrastination and developing a more productive mindset. It can be helpful for understanding the psychological factors that contribute to distraction and developing strategies for overcoming them.
Explores the science of focus and provides insights into how we can improve our ability to concentrate. It can be helpful for understanding the importance of focus in achieving success and developing strategies for improving our ability to focus.
Explores the science of attention from a Buddhist perspective and provides practices for developing mindfulness and improving focus. It can be helpful for understanding the role of mindfulness in managing distractions and developing a more focused mindset.
Save
Explores the science of attention and distraction from a neuroscientific perspective. It provides insights into how our brains process information and how we can improve our ability to focus.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/2ptph8/protecting
Share
Similar courses
Here are nine courses similar to
Protecting Yourself from Distractions.
Productivity Machine: Time Management & Productivity Hacks
OpenCourser.com/course/ut9bmf/productivity
Productivity Machine: Time Management & Productivity Hacks
Most relevant
Playful Productivity: The Joyous Path to Achieving More
OpenCourser.com/course/2kdt1g/playful
Playful Productivity: The Joyous Path to Achieving More
Most relevant
Prioritizing Tasks and Managing Time for Greater Productivity
OpenCourser.com/course/sqd0ki/prioritizing
Prioritizing Tasks and Managing Time for Greater...
Modern Productivity: Superhuman Focus In A Distracted World
OpenCourser.com/course/defaw6/modern
Modern Productivity: Superhuman Focus In A Distracted...
Work From Home: Where to Start and How to Succeed
OpenCourser.com/course/6rvb1d/work
Work From Home: Where to Start and How to Succeed
How To Reduce Constant Work Interruptions
OpenCourser.com/course/6b87ny/how
How To Reduce Constant Work Interruptions
Microsoft 365: The Big Picture
OpenCourser.com/course/91pf19/microsoft
Microsoft 365: The Big Picture
Practical Time Management - Personal Productivity Tools
OpenCourser.com/course/0khr1c/practical
Practical Time Management - Personal Productivity Tools
Writing in the Workplace: Email, Memos, Reports, and Social Messaging
OpenCourser.com/course/n0m2ps/writing
Writing in the Workplace: Email, Memos, Reports, and...
Time
57 hours
Level
Intermediate
Via
Pluralsight
Instructor
Tommy van Schaik
Language
English
This course belongs to a
collection
called
Managing Time. It's comprised of four courses:
- Setting Goals- Your Guide to Focusing on What Is Important
- Time Management – Maximizing Your Productivity
- Protecting Yourself from Distractions (viewing)
- Optimizing Personal Information Management: Your Guide to Never Searching Twice
Good to know
Explains the impact of distractions on productivity
Introduces the concept of hyperfocus for improving productivity
Provides best practices for handling distractions in the workplace
Suitable for professionals seeking to enhance their productivity
May be useful for individuals struggling with workplace distractions
Provides a focused approach to addressing distractions
Our mission
OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.
Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.
Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.
Affiliate disclosure
We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.
Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.
Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.
© 2016 - 2024 OpenCourser