Control your distractions

Use a distraction-blocking app on your work computer
Get an app such as Freedom, Cold Turkey, or RescueTime to block any distractions on your device. The app can prevent you from accessing specific websites that derail your productivity e.g. news sites and social media. Specify the duration you want the app to stay on and use that time to hyperfocus on your work.

Turn off your computer’s Wi-Fi
Use this measure in case your workplace has restrictions on which apps or plug-ins you can install on the office computer.

Place your phone in Do Not Disturb or Airplane mode
This will block all incoming interruptions via the phone. You can also place the phone in another room.

Wear noise-canceling headphones when working
This is especially useful if you want to hyperfocus on a plane or coffee shop.

Decide in advance when you’ll check your messages
Block out a specific period in your schedule for checking all your messages. For example, decide that you’ll check your emails and texts twice a day—at 10 am and 4 pm. When it's time to check your messages, set a timer for 20-30 minutes and use this time to solely focus on your messages.

Sign up for a public and a private email address
One email address can be for close colleagues while the other is for everyone else. You can check the public email once a day and check the private one a few times throughout the day.

Create a distraction-free mode for your team
Provide a lamp to all your team members. Let them turn on the lamp as a sign to their colleagues that they are in hyperfocus mode and don’t want to be interrupted at all.

Never attend a meeting that has no agenda
If a meeting has no pre-specified agenda, ask the convener for the objectives. If the objectives are not significant, request them to discuss the issues via email or phone instead of a meeting.

Reward yourself after a successful hyperfocus session
Treat yourself to a buffet of distractions after completing your distraction-free session. For example, allow yourself to scroll through your favorite social media platforms or sit down and chat with colleagues.