Published on January 23, 2020 | Last Updated on January 18, 2022

Did you know when you get off task it takes your brain 23 minutes to completely refocus? So crazy! If you’re anything like me, this pretty much means I’m never fully focused…yikes!

I typically try to avoid crazy resolutions and normally opt for achievable tasks or bad habits to break. In 2019 work took priority while my personal life and health were pushed to the side. This year I’m going to create more balance! I really want to cut down on my work hours while maintaining my current workload. The only way to do that is to be more productive and focused while I’m working. As someone who suffers from ADHD, it doesn’t take much for me to get completely off task. After some research, I found a couple apps to eliminate distractions which in turn will increase productivity!

What is Lock-in Productivity?

The system is called “lock-in.” The idea behind it all comes down to making contracts about our productivity, not just affirmations and willpower but enforceable covenants that have punishments if you don’t deliver on them.
Lock-in has been defined as structural inertia and imprinting. It is the idea that companies are endowed with a set of routines, or competences (Nelson & Winter 1982), which define their behavior as well strategies for future actions in any given environment due to how deeply ingrained these behaviors have become over time through repetition on an individual level within each company’s structure.

6 Steps on How To Start Being Productive

1. Make a list of what needs to be done
2. Check your calendar for upcoming deadlines
3. Break down tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks
4. Use the Pomodoro technique 
5. Reward yourself with small breaks when you complete major milestones in your workday
6. Keep track of all the things you do so that it’s easy to see how productive you are at the end of each day!

2 Applications That Can Get You Started To Productivity

FLIPD

For those of us who need a huge push when it comes to cutting back on screen time, Flipd may be the right app for the job. Once you lock certain apps on your phone for a set period of time, there’s no going back. You might be able to disable other apps by restarting your phone, but not Flipd, making it the ultimate distraction stopper. It might sound intense, but once you get your work done, you’ll definitely be more appreciative of the time you spent distraction-free.

After using this for a few weeks I can definitely say it works! I’ve mentioned the app on my stories a few times and the Flipd team sent me a code for my followers to use! Follow this link and use code CAKEANDCONFETTI for 50% off for a year. Well worth it in my opinion!

BE FOCUSED APP

Have you heard of the Pomodoro method? I learned about this a few years ago and I have to stay, this app is a game-changer! If you like to time block your day, this will be a helpful app for you. It’s essentially a timer on your phone but you can track how many sessions you’re spending on each task. For 25 minutes you’re supposed to do one task and then you get a five-minute break and then the timer starts again. During my five minute break is when I’ll refill my water, get a snack or run to the restroom. It really helps check items off my to-do list!

Last month we heard Laura Vanderkam speak in Houston about productivity and gaining more control over your free time. She has a ton of amazing insight so I included her TED Talk below! She recommends tracking your time which I’m going to attempt to do it next week!

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