Create Your Own Momentum

Have you ever gotten so wrapped up in a project that you completely lost track of time? It feels great when that happens - you're working "in the zone" and are usually in a peak productive state.

But can you actually create that feeling on a regular basis? You need to learn to create your own momentum. What you'll find is that although it's a little different for each person, certain factors are universal.

Set aside a fixed amount of time (with a specific start and end time) where you will not be interrupted (this means no one coming into your office and no phone calls).

During your first few moments of this fixed time, get into the mindset that is appropriate for your project. Clear your head of the challenges of the day and what you have to do later. Decide what you want to accomplish during this focused time, and write down this goal.

Make sure your work space doesn't have easily accessible distractions. This means get rid of anything on your desk that doesn't relate to what you're working on.

Have everything that you need for your fixed work time within reach so that you don't lose time by looking for documents or that obscure scrap of paper with an important detail.

Turn off your email manager (Outlook , Lotus Notes...whatever you use). Your inbound email will be waiting for you when you're finished. No cell phones. No texts. (You knew this was coming...remember, no interruptions?)

You'll be pleasantly surprised how these seemingly little things add up to help you focus and work with great momentum.

Are you ready now? Well, go get 'em!