Eat That Frog! 21 Great Ways to Stop Procrastinating and Get More Done in Less Time

EAT THAT FROG!
1. Resolve today to turn off all notifications, except for your
emergency channels. Create special areas in your digital life for your
most important tasks.
2. Resolve to research and install one piece of software or one app that
will help you be more efficient and focused.

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17 Focus Your Attention
All of life is the study of attention; where your attention goes,
your life follows.
JIDDU KRISHNAMURTI
Focused attention is the key to high performance. The “attraction of
distraction,” the lure of electronic and other interruptions, leads to diffused
attention, a wandering mind, a lack of focus, and, ultimately, under-
achievement and failure.
Current research proves that continuously responding and reacting to e-
mails, telephone calls and texts, and instant messages (IM) has a negative
effect on your brain, shortening your attention span and making it difficult,
if not impossible, for you to complete the tasks upon which your future and
your success depend.
1
Developing an Addiction
When you check your e-mail first thing in the morning or when you
respond to the bell or other sound that indicates an incoming e-mail or
message, your brain releases a tiny shot of dopamine. This shot gives you a
pleasant “buzz.” It stimulates your curiosity and causes you to react and
respond immediately. You instantly forget whatever else you were doing
and turn your full attention to the new message.
Like the sound of bells ringing when you win while playing a slot
machine, the sound of the e-mail or IM triggers the reaction of “What did I
win?” You immediately stop your work to find out what your “prize” is.
When you start your day with a few shots of dopamine triggered by your
e-mail or IM bell going off, you find it extremely difficult to pay close

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attention to your important tasks for the rest of the day.