Productivity 101: “Quieting the Noise”
Truth be told, I have been struggling with productivity and focus issues lately; and it’s no coincidence that – in less than one week – I have been presented with two messengers who are helping me to “quiet the noise.”
I read an article posted by fellow writer and renowned organizational expert, Paul H. Burton: “Focusing Your Message Requires Focusing Your Mind” and subsequently read the first chapter of his book _Quiet Spacing_. I became an instant fan and plan to purchase his book. If nothing else, I encourage anyone to download his free sample of chapter one and try Paul’s “test-drive exercise” – worth the price of admission alone!!! The exercise will encourage you to simulate calmness and instruct you how to focus on your task (one task) at hand to experience the amazing result.
I am fascinated by that approach, while at the same time plagued by the issues it addresses. As a project manager to both clients and immediate family 
, consultant and writer, I find that my days are consistently choppy like a bad airplane ride; I am searching for a way to decrease the noise and, in so doing, increase my mental acuity, focus, productivity, and peace of mind…
Which leads me to messenger #2. A simple nonfat latte at the local Starbucks with a wonderful friend and mentor led to a surprising revelation. While achieving professional productivity and focus is a feat unto its own and toward which we all strive, it may never feel like enough or even remotely rewarding if one cannot quiet the noise within…
I have often found that even the most challenging professional task or dreaded meeting feels like a day at Disney World when there is peace within and all feels right in [my] limited world; turn the tables, however, and with a personal, family or health issue looming, even the easiest task or most pleasurable event feels like torture and makes a filling at the dentist preferable.
So, in sum, regulating the mind occurs on two levels: one in the mind, and the other in the heart. Both must work together to create harmonious thought and true productivity and fulfillment.
Wishing You Success,
Natalya
Unfortunately, life (and the workplace) are constantly bombarding us and trying to get us off task. That will never change. Burton’s right, technology has made it worse. Ironically, though, if it were up to me, everyone would get some training in computer programming. It teaches absolute focus, problem solving, structure, logic and resource tuning. You are forced to breakdown the problems into components and prioritize. Out of necessity, the rest of the world is tuned out as you grapple with unforgiving syntax, and you eventually let go of the insane and unrealistic corporate lie known as “multitasking”. These are all skills which translate well into the “real” world. My workshop would also include a free pocket protector for all my graduates!