How to Effectively Beat Sidetrack Syndrome
Send to KindleExperts estimate that we experience an average of 73 interruptions per day – and that’s just in the workplace.
Imagine it’s a busy day and you’re feeling good because you are on a roll, making real progress on an important task or project; all of a sudden the phone rings, an e-mail alarm goes off, a colleague asks for a favor, your mother-in-law stops by “spur of the moment,” you’re called to school to pick up a sick child, etc. Uh oh, sidetracked again!
Experts estimate that on average we are interrupted 73 times per day – and that’s just at work. Add family, friends and children to the mix and you may even double that number.
Your definition of “interruption” may affect one way or the other whether or not you agree with this number, but in basic terms an interruption is anything that you didn’t expect to happen at that time and that either delays or sidetracks you from what you are doing.
Regardless of the nature or inconvenience they may create, the most basic thing to keep in mind about interruptions is that they are rarely intended to be disruptive. The simple truth is that most people you come in contact with during any given day will have their own agenda that may or may not include consideration for your schedule or priorities.
Planning and adaptability are the keys to effectively avoid being sidetracked by interruptions
- Own your interruptions. Try thinking of an interruption as an offer, and your decision as to whether you will take the interruption as a counter-offer. It is okay to say “Thanks for your call/visit. I do want to speak with you, but now is not a good time. Can we talk/meet at 2:00 p.m. instead?” There … you just made a counter-offer.
- Learn to say ‘no’ without feeling guilty. It’s easy to get caught off guard with unexpected requests for favors or projects, so learning effective ‘delay’ tactics can prevent you from committing to something in order to get back to what you were doing. If you’re not sure whether you want to say no, at least avoid saying yes on the spot by telling the person you will get back to them after you’ve had time to check your schedule. This keeps you from making an on-the-spot decision you may regret later.
- Grade your interruptions. Of course some interruptions are more important than others. Technically having to pick your sick child up from school would be classified as an interruption, but reality is that’s far more important than anything else on your task list. So while there will always be exceptions, it’s important to be selective and if an interruption comes in that does not make the grade, choose to politely deflect it.
- Create do-not-disturb time. Screen calls, or set up times of the day when you answer and return calls and let that be known to friends, family and work colleagues. Utilize a “do not disturb” sign at the office when working on a tight deadline, close your office door, set “office hours” for visitors and colleagues, or go work in a conference room, library or coffee shop where you can hide. When I was working in direct sales with hundreds of representatives vying for my attention, I often escaped to an “undisclosed” location when completing important reports, or closed my door and left a sign-up sheet for people that stopped by that explained that I was on deadline and when I would surface for air.
- Use a post-it note wisely. Before you take an interruption, write down the very next action you were planning to take, how long you thought it would take, and whether you can delegate it to someone else. Often, the interruption itself is not as bad as playing catch-up after it. Taking the time to write down where you are and what you need to do to get back on track can help you save precious time.
- Plan for interruptions. If you work in an interruption-rich culture, you can only plan out 50% of your time to allow for 50% interruptions. For example, if your job is to put out “fires” all day, you can’t avoid interruptions as they are exactly what you should be handling. An example of this would be a sales manager in a car dealership whose job is to support the sales team on the floor, and to control and manage issues as they arise. This individual will be less able to avoid interruptions and should plan for them in his or her schedule, by blocking out time before or after “floor” time to get his or her project-related work done.
- Stop the interrupter. It is worth noting that research indicates that on average 80% of our interruptions come from 20% of the people we come into contact with. Try to identify the frequent interrupters and start coming up with ways to cut them off before they occur. If you know someone always calls you to confirm a meeting, send a quick text/e-mail to let him or her know you are still on as scheduled. Or better yet, explain that it is your policy not to miss meetings and you do not need a reminder, and that you will call in the rare event you need to cancel.
- When your boss is the interrupter. In a busy work environment it’s easy to occasionally find yourself being pulled in different directions at the same time; but that doesn’t mean you are helpless. For example, let’s say your boss interrupts you mid-project with a new ‘rush’ assignment; the most important thing to do is to review with him/her what’s already on your plate and explain that since taking on the new assignment will delay completion of other work, ask that he/she make the determination about which of your projects has priority.
Interruptions don’t have to sidetrack your day. The next time something happens to set you back, or derail your plans, why not try flexing your adaptability skills and ask yourself if there isn’t a way to turn the situation into a positive. By mastering a few solid strategies, you can overcome sidetrack syndrome, and enjoy a much calmer and more efficient day.
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Interruptions can also be viewed positively. They can be warning signs that will prevent us from doing risky decisions. It may also give us a break from our stressful daily routine.
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Jason Homes recently posted..7 Most Awful First-Time Homebuyer Mistakes
Life is not really a plain road to our dreams. But rather, it is a rough and hump-filled track that may seem to be very tiring to walk through. The challenge here is to stay focus on what we really want in the long while at the same thing dealing with those short-term problems wisely.
Hi! Loved your post as I truly can relate. Interruptions are indeed a part of my day and sometimes I just have a hard time getting everything done because of these interruptions, but thanks for the tips as I will surely take note of it and follow your advice.
What a valuable list of ideas Marty! I worked in a place once where there was someone who constantly interrupted everyone with his stories and never ending questions! I wish I’d read your suggestions at that time, and would’ve found something that worked for him.
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Julieanne vanZyl recently posted..Blog about my MLM business Opportunity and Products
So glad you enjoyed the article Julieanne! Thanks for taking the time to contribute to the conversation – always appreciated!
We must accept that interruptions are unavoidable. Although I have some tactics prepared for them, I could definitely use your tips. Of all the interruptions, those that came from the boss is the hardest to ignore. Sometimes it is hard to explain that I have some higher priorities.
Barbara recently posted..DTS Home
This is a really important thing you are writing about Marquita. Those interruptions are so annoying and when they come into my day. But mostly because they are all caused by my own actions. If I set my expectations and communicate those to other people who might be thinking about interrupting me, I find that I have a lot less interruptions during the day and I get a lot more done.
Bea recently posted..Shifting With The Flow
Welcome Bea … you know I’ll bet if we’re honest with ourselves we are at the root cause of many of our own distractions. Great point – thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts.
This is a great article. We have so many interruptions these days with email and cell phones. We really need to sometimes shut everything off and focus on the task at hand. Also learning to say no to some things people ask.
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Melodie Kantner recently posted..What is EFT and How Can It Help Your Network Marketing Business?
Welcome back Melodie, so glad you liked the article and thanks for taking the time to contribute to the converation
Hey Marty,
Another great topic that we all need to read and follow. I see people go from one fire to another and never really getting everything done. I have been really working on implementing the ideas that you have in your post to get things done and not be distracted.
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Joyce Edwards recently posted..Signs of Gluten Intolerance
Welcome back Joyce! So glad you enjoyed the article and thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. Always appreciated
Well Marty,
Even though it is 11pm I was interrupted while reading this post! It seems that working from home with anyone else around makes it really difficult!
I am dogged in keeping to my plan for the day. I find at times I am extremely productive, while on other occasions I am better off going for a walk. We do lose a lot of time through interruptions, but it is part of life.
One thing for sure, I am not going back to working for a boss!
Thanks for your insights.
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John Gaydon recently posted..Internet Marketing And The Death Urge
Ha! I am with you John! You know what memory pops into my head when I think of worst-possible-boss-scenarios is? Having to sooth a crying secretary who’s drivers license had expired because she was too afraid to ask our ‘boss’ for the time off to get her license renewed! Ugh
Interruptions are inevitable in our day to day lives but yes it can be opposed. You made mention of a lot of ways to do it; one in particular that i really like about is owning your interruptions. Thanks for sharing Marquita. Twas a nice read.
Regards,
Brian
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Brian Lagoni recently posted..A Cool Conversational Hypnosis Trick Demonstrated live
Welcome Brian, glad you enjoyed the article – and I agree with you, owning our interruptions is a favorite point of mine as well. Thanks for taking the time to contribute to the conversation – very much appreciated.
Wonderful post which had me feeling so wildly amazed. Your insight on this subject made me reflect on all my days last week.
There are quite moments and everyone understands I am flexible up to a limit. I have ways to close my office area down without anyone to enter or contact me. The only way one can communicate or get my attention is if the emergency vehicles are involved. If it is not life and death to deal with. I can keep doing what I feel like getting accomplished.
I learned many years ago that when your in business activities the worse thing to do is to stop. Nothing is important other than death and fatal accident. All other emotional needs are on hold until I have completed doing what I chose. This has worked out for me during the last 27 years of my life.
When you do only what you love and sharing that is your business. Then time and being involved with others have a good balance. I do not sell nor manufacture stuff. So, if need be I can and have stopped doing my present activity. Then even went out to get a scoop of soft ice cream. I can do this and others may not have that type of lifestyle
Those who have no organization and focus during times of business action. They should take some time out with friends, family and others. Have them understand that just because they may know where you are is not an excuse to just take that for granted. Allow you to have certain peek hours alone without any contact unless you make it happen. Only contact you during those hours if it is life and death not for other emotional needs.
Thank you Marquita, your simple great with this subject. I love your expressions and look forward to more in the near future. Thank you for being one of our great mentors in this industry.
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William Amis recently posted..Your Crazy, Check Yourself
Hi Marty:
Hi my name is Kevin and I have sidetrack syndrome.
You have given some excellent tips on how to overcome it. Your first 2 points really resonated with me especially number 2. Learning to say “no” is so critical in our overall growth in life.
Thanks!
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Kevin
Kevin Martineau recently posted..Speroway – Delivering hope to needy children
You’re too funny Kevin
Thanks so much for taking the time to share your thoughts … and humor.
This is a great topic Marquita! Oh, and this is a regular at my job and in life. There are good interruptions and bad interruptions. I love this piece and was sure a good analysis.
Have a fantastic rest of the week!
Michael Levy recently posted..The Importance of Being Healthy
Interruptions have been one of my challenges in my business. Now, I work on my agenda by blocks of time (hours) and try to stick to it. It does not work all the time, but I feel I have done a lot of progress and have had much more productivity.
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alicia recently posted..Our Close Relationship to Water
Marty,
They are all such great tips and critical for real productivity! I especially like the idea of having a Do NOT Disturb Time! Without having blocks of time when you will NOT let yourself be interrupted, I have no idea how anyone can get anything of consequence done!
Thanks for sharing!
~ Jupiter Jim
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Jupiter Jim recently posted..WordPress Tutorial: The Proper Way to Upgrade to WordPress 3.3.2
Welcome back Jim – yep, that DND sign is a favorite of mine as well. It’s one thing if your job is all about public contact and problem solving – but if you’re also building a business there’s just no way to be effective and move forward without creating some sort of boundaries to include thinking, planning and creating. Thanks for contributing to the conversation!
Marty hello!
This post brought back memories of my years spent in Belgium.
Our accountant used to invoice us for telephone calls which we had made to him asking for this or that as ‘Your Inconvenience by Telephone’ very funny at the time!
I must admit there are times when I make it very clear that I am not available to botherers! These are people who find it easier to ask me a question rather than Googling something for themselves…. some days are just too busy to humor people like that!
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Sadie-Michaela Harris recently posted..How Does Google’s Ranking and Website Evaluation Process Work?
Welcome back Sadie-Michaela … you know, I’ve seen that ‘for your convenience’ tag before
I can also relate to your experience with 20 questions. When I was in direct sales that was very much the case. The Reprs felt it was much easier to reach out to me than to go direct to the company – and the sad truth was, on many occasions it was. Still, the best thing we can do as leaders is grow other leaders, so it’s best I think to create those boundaries. Thanks so much for sharing!
Hi Marty,
Thanks for this great article!
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I get many interruptions during the day. In order to avoid it, I close close the email program, Skype, phone ecc… It helps.
Edyta recently posted..Is Panic Away Scam or a Genuine Program for Those with an Anxiety Issue? Read on For the Answers
Thanks for sharing Edyta – I’m with you. I find there are truly very few ‘urgent’ emails or phone calls. My family has priority, and otherwise I choose to honor the boundaries I’ve established.
Hi Marquita, interruptions are part of any work we do and in most cases we cannot avoid them. I think the best advise from all these is to plan for interruptions in order to make them part of your daily schedule, thanks for sharing…
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Kostas recently posted..Free WordPress Installation Service – Start Blogging Now
Welcome Kostas and thanks so much for sharing. While interruptions may well be an unavoidable part of what ‘you’ do, that’s not necessarily the case for everyone. Ultimately we each make a decision about the type of life we want for ourselves, and create that reality with the choices we make each day.
Marty,
Great post. We are all subject to interruptions. For me, the most annoying interruption is a phone call from one of those automated marketing systems. If I am really engrossed in a project, I may let the phone ring unanswered. But there is always a potential for new counseling clients in need at the moment – and when I don’t respond, they sometimes keep seeking until they find another therapist. So it really depends how important my task at hand is. I tend to accomplish a lot in the late evening hours, when the phone calls stop and the new emails are minimum. But even the emails and interesting videos to watch and webinars to learn something new from – all of that can be a distraction away from creating my products and building business.
Warmly,
Dr. Erica
You highlight one of my favorite points from the list Dr. Erica and that’s rating the interruptions. There will always be some sort of interruptions during the day – that’s just life, but it’s up to each of us to rate the value of interruptions depending on what they are and the potential value. Thanks for taking the time to share.
This is a great article, Marty, thank you for sharing it. I like best, I think the idea that we do not have to feel guilty for not allowing interruptions in our day. I did have a job for a long time that was a putter outer of fires, and I found that after a while that many of the things that other people thought were fires I had to handle, were in fact, not.
So I learned how to say no, to some and yes to others. When I did that, i felt a lot more in charge of my day and my work was a whole lot better.
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Michael recently posted..Building Your Dream
Hi Michael, so glad you enjoyed the article and thanks for taking the time to contribute to the conversation!
Hi Marty,
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What a fascinating article and so apropos for everyday life. I am one of those “let’s get the job done” kind of gals. I would not do well in a high pressure job where I was interrupted often, taking me away from my task at hand. I would forget where I was before for one thing. lol
I like the idea of looking at interruptions as an offer as you mentioned or as a way to serve someone else. If I keep that in mind, then I won’t see them as an interruption, but instead an opportunity to serve or help. (Ideally, anyway)
I like how you encourage us to keep things positive in our life.
Lynn
Lynn Jones recently posted..“Pita Pizza Primavera” With Fresh Roasted Veggies
Hi Lynn, thanks for contributing to the conversation – always appreciated. One very important truism – perception is reality. We have the ability to frame (or re-frame) whatever happens to us and it becomes ‘our’ reality.
My favorite suggestion on this list is to schedule “Do Not Interrupt” time. I have a descriptor on my instant messaging service at work with this very title, and I’m going to start using it tomorrow! Thanks for the great suggestions. Another suggestion I’ve read is to track our suggestions so that we can find out whether there is a common theme: once we’ve seen what that theme is, we may have a great solution come to mind for preventing that interruption in the future.
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Steve Borgman recently posted..Here’s Some Motivation To Change Your Life
Welcome back Steve and thanks for sharing your thoughts – always appreciated. One very interesting thing I found working with a lot of new entrepreneurs is that often they will first look to you for answers and solutions – but if you’re not available at that moment, it’s really amazing how often they find the answer or solution themselves and end up growing for the effort.
I didn’t know we were interrupted that many times. I have 3 kids and they all have their own ‘stuff’ they want me to do with them. Add to this the home, house work and my part-time work, I suppose one would wonder how I have any time to write!
I especially liked the suggestion of saying no without feeling guilty. I once wrote an article (on my relationship blog) about saying no. I realised with my research that even though I knew a lot of the info, I hadn’t been practising them.
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Anne recently posted..Pick Me Up
You know what ‘they’ say Anne – if you want something done, give it to a busy woman