How we use our time each day and the behaviors we choose to adopt can produce positive or negative outcomes. In Dan Harris’ book, 10% Happier, I came across a few ideas that highlighted being more intentional with how we spend our time and where we focus our attention.

Almost two decades ago, Linda Stone, a former Apple and Microsoft executive, identified a specific phenomenon and coined the term, continuous partial attention. She describes this as paying partial attention, continuously. Stone says we’re motivated to do this because we don’t want to miss anything.  When we’re always on, constantly scanning, and on high alert, it produces an “artificial sense of constant crisis.”This phenomenon has escalated because of our increased use and availability of technology.

According to Stone, some of the outcomes that can result from regularly engaging in continuous partial attention include:

• Having a stressful lifestyle

• Operating in crisis management mode

• Compromising ability to reflect, make decisions or think creatively

• Being overwhelmed or over-stimulated

• Feeling unfulfilled

• Feeling a sense of powerlessness

Stone makes a distinction between continuous partial attention and multi-tasking because of the different impulse that motivates them. She believes that multi-tasking is productivity and efficiency driven, while continuous partial attention is motivated by the desire to be connected and alert to the best opportunities.

“We have focused on managing our time. Our opportunity is to focus how we manage our attention.”

— Linda Stone

If you find that your time is being spent in the always-on mode or that your attention is continually pulled between digital devices, tasks and interactions with people, here are some strategies suggested by Linda Stone and Janice Marturano, who is founder of Institute for Mindful Leadership:

• Establish some tech free time

• Give your full attention to others during interactions (as in put away your phones, no typing on the computer keyboard while having conversations)

• Designate part of your day as “interruption-free” time

• Take a breathing break

• Do one thing at a time

• Take mindfulness breaks or “purposeful pauses”

Have you experienced continuous partial attention? Have you felt any of the symptoms associated with it? I’d love to hear your thoughts and your strategies. I invite you to join the conversation!

The latest installment (v12) of the “What’s Interesting?” feature has my newest discoveries that inform, educate, and relate to organizing and life balance. I’ve included unique and inspiring possibility-thinking-related finds reflecting this month’s blog theme.

You’re a wonderfully engaged group. I look forward to your participation and additions to the collection I’ve sourced for you. What do you find interesting?

What’s Interesting? . . .

1. Interesting Read – Productivity Possibilities

How does productivity work? Why are some people and companies more productive than others? Why do some imagine and actualize possibilities while others struggle? Charles Duhigg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, explores these questions in his latest book, Smarter Faster Better – The Secrets of Being Productive in Life and Business.

The book is “about how to recognize the choices that fuel true productivity” and “…how to succeed with less effort.” He explores eight concepts, including motivation, goal setting, and decision making, that emerged from studying experiences of highly productive people and the latest research in neuroscience, psychology, and behavioral economics.

Dughigg says, “…productivity is about making certain choices in certain ways. The way we choose to see ourselves and frame daily decisions; the stories we tell ourselves, and the easy goals we ignore; the sense of community we build among teammates; the creative cultures we establish as leaders: These are the things that separate the merely busy from the genuinely productive.”

2. Interesting Perspective - Organized Possibilities

While many believe there is a “right” way or just “one” way to be organized, let’s dispel that myth. It’s just not true. We are different.  We have diverse needs and preferences.

For organizing strategies to be effective and useful, they have to reflect our uniqueness. So, while I might prefer to have my clothes hanging in my closet, facing the same direction on matching hangers, by clothing type and in color order, you might prefer piling your clothes on the big, comfy chair in the corner of your bedroom. And you know what? If “chairdrobe” works for you, go for it! Being organized looks and feels different to each of us. What possibilities can you imagine when you take ‘should’ out of the organizing equation?

3. Interesting Research - Feel Good Possibilities

Have you noticed that in the digital age, we tend to use our fingers or voices to type, text, and communicate? We write by hand, much less. While there’s speed and efficiency when using our digital devices, we might miss out on a few things.

Research suggests that writing by hand helps the brain remember more and can make you feel good, too. Neuroscientist and author Kelly Lambert, Ph.D., says, “The brain’s reward center is connected to one of the movement centers…so one way to activate pleasure is through physical effort.” Next time you need a boost, pick up a pen and activate the possibilities.

4. Interesting Product – Time Possibilities

A favorite product I’ve featured many times is the Time Timer®, a simple time management tool designed to display time elapsing with the movement of a red disk on the timer’s face.

The company just developed a new accessory, a dry-erase board that integrates beautifully with the timer to highlight time-sensitive messages and appointments. This wonderful combo enhances the possibilities for managing our time more effectively.

5. Interesting Thought - Unleashing Possibilities

Are you having challenges moving forward, pursuing a new idea, or accomplishing a goal? Have you considered the power of your thoughts? What messages are you telling yourself? Are your thoughts enhancing or hindering your possibilities?

As the graphic here asks, “What’s stopping you?” Focus on positive thoughts and unleash amazing possibilities.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. What are your interesting finds? Which possibilities resonate with you?  You matter. I invite you to join the conversation!

Have you ever lacked motivation and wondered how to activate? If so, you’re not alone. In fact, this is a normal part of the being human. Would you like to discover some wonderful strategies for getting motivated, especially when you’re in a slump? I was curious about the ways my colleagues’ handled their motivation challenges, so I reached out to this generous group – Sarah Soboleski, Diane Quintana, Jill Robson, Autumn Leopold, Ingrid Jansen, Deb Lee, and Seana Turner. I asked them,“What is the one thing you do to get motivated when you’re in a slump?” Their responses are personal, intelligent, and inspiring. My deepest gratitude goes to each of them for sharing their wisdom with us.

What is the one thing you do to get motivated when you’re in a slump? . . .

Motivation From Playing

“When I’m in a rut I think it’s helpful to play! I’m a mother to a 4-year-old little boy so it’s easy for me to take a break and connect with my playful side when I’m in a slump. I love reading a silly book, coloring a picture, or squishing some play-doh with him. These are all great ways to give my brain a rest, remember not to take things too seriously and get back to basics. When I tap into my inner child I see things through a different lens and am better able to refocus my efforts. Play jumpstarts my productivity!” 

Sarah Soboleski, LCSW –Professional Organizer, Speaker & Blogger

Motivation From Envisioning

“When I need to get motivated to begin a project I start by envisioning the result. Then I make a master list of everything that must be done to bring this project to a successful conclusion. I take the time to create a timeline, scheduling steps to take into my calendar. Then I focus on the end result. Knowing that each small incremental step brings me closer to finishing my project helps keep me motivated.”

Diane N. Quintana – Certified Professional Organizer in Chronic Disorganization, Author & Speaker 

Motivation From Doing Mundane Tasks

“I take a step back, sometimes a BIG step back when I am lacking motivation. Nothing is worse than trying to flog a dead horse; the ideas will not come no matter how much you will them to. I always get the best ideas and flow of inspiration when I am doing the mundane, things that are rote, procedures done by muscle memory allowing the inactive parts of your mind to reboot themselves.”

Jill Robson – Professional Home Organizer & Blogger

Motivation From Brainstorming 

"When I'm in a slump I have to disconnect. I have to let go of whatever I have been working on and get out of my element. Whether that means take a few days off and work on a home project, or take a week off and go on an RV trip with my family. I love to brainstorm creative ideas with my peers! A brainstorming weekend in the mountains goes a long way for your soul! Sometimes switching around my normal routine can shake things up and as well." 

Autumn Leopold – Professional Organizer & Blogger

Motivation From List Making

“The one thing I do to get into action is to start making a LIST of what needs to be done. People get in a slump because the task at hand seems too big or too hard to do. Creating a list and breaking up the project in small chunks helps me to get an overview of the task and also to decide what needs to be done first to make a start. Also getting some extra sleep helps to get more energy to tackle the project you have in mind!”

Ingrid Jansen – Professional Organizer 

Motivation From Talking

“I talk to myself. Yes, this is a real conversation about how AMAZING I will feel when I follow through on a goal or habit. That feeling is ridiculously wonderful and gives me a huge boost. So, the short, but serious talks with myself work like a charm. I sometimes experience the real feeling of just by visualizing.” 

Deb Lee, CPO® – Digital Business Coach, Productivity Consultant, Speaker & Appaholic

Motivation From Disconnecting

“Motivation frequently comes in spurts. Sometimes it appears as a gift, while other times it burrows like hidden treasure. For me, the best solution to a slump is to disconnect completely from the pressure to perform. This can be as simple as taking a day off to sit on the beach, or as significant as suspending an activity for a month to work on something else. Redirecting my focus awakens my brain to a new challenge while replenishing those parts of my mind and spirit that have run dry.”

Seana Turner – Professional Organizer, Blogger & Speaker

Getting motivated, especially when you’re in a slump is possible. With the creative ideas that my colleagues shared, you now have some new strategies to experiment with. Whether you choose to play, disconnect, brainstorm or make lists, renewed motivation is possible for you. For me, when my motivation has waned, I will often force myself to get going anyway. If that doesn’t work, I’ll give myself a self-care break. That can include getting some fresh air, taking a walk by the river, running an errand, having a snack break, or getting some sleep and restarting the next day. 

Which ideas resonate with you? How do you get motivated when you’re in a slump? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Come join the conversation!

There is definitely a mindfulness theme that runs throughout my writing. My creative process includes having a heightened awareness of daily experiences, which is one strategy for fostering mindfulness. I recently learned that one of the many benefits of being mindful is that your thoughts become less cluttered so that you are more open to new ideas, challenges, and possibility thinking.

Last week, I attended a wonderful ICD teleclass about mindfulness and productivity, developed and presented by productivity coach, Casey Moore. There are many mindfulness definitions. Casey shared one definition that included three basic mindfulness elements.

Mindfulness is “paying attention purposefully and non-judgmentally in the present moment.”

During the teleclass, Casey talked about the benefits of practicing mindfulness. The list was long and included improving relationships, decreasing anxiety, improving mood, deepening self-awareness, increasing concentration, boosting attentiveness, lowering high blood pressure, reducing chronic pain, making better decisions, and regulating the fear response.

There were several mindfulness techniques that she shared that focused on intentional breathing and counting. I’ve been experimenting with adding one the breathing exercises into my daily habits. As an added benefit, I’ve used the technique outside by our local rivers. Being surrounded by nature while breathing mindfully was especially beneficial for me. I felt calmer, more connected and grounded.

With a more open, less cluttered mind, what becomes possible? I’d love to hear your thoughts. Come join the conversation.