There’s no denying that productivity is one of the primary goals of any business nowadays, with countless examinations into the concept of productivity, theories on how to maximize it, and methods to promote it in the workplace. Today, we wanted to take one of these theories and explore it so that you can perhaps capitalize on it yourself.
So, let’s start from the beginning and explore the concept of a Power Hour, as proposed by Adrienne Herbert in her book Power Hour: How to Focus on Your Goals and Create a Life You Love.
So, What’s a “Power Hour?”
A Power Hour is the brief period of time that a person devotes their full attention to a specific task—typically, an hour—to really optimize the time spent on that task. Herbert describes it in the terms of using it on a personal intention, but it could just as easily be applied to a challenging work project or interesting process. The idea is that it’s a means of boosting productivity, but it can also have benefits in energizing you and helping you really embrace the day.
While Herbert posits that the Power Hour is a first-thing-in-the-morning experience, you can certainly try to identify a different time that seems to work copacetically with your brain and schedule. Basically, you eliminate the time that you have other responsibilities in the way—you can’t really tune out the world and work when you need to be participating in a meeting—and try to lock down on the times you feel most engaged.
Once you identify yours, you can then do a few things to make the most of it.
How to Make the Most of Your Power Hour
Pick Your Task
In order to make the most of the time you’re establishing as your Power Hour, you should pick a single task to devote all of your attention to. Try focusing on the kind of task you would generally try to put off—completing it might give you a bit of extra motivation to tackle your other tasks with renewed vigor.
Cut Out Distractions
Put your phone on silent, turn off your notifications, and set yourself as unavailable on your calendar. The concept of a Power Hour only works if interruptions aren’t an issue.
Focus Up
On a related note, do everything you are able to do to prepare yourself mentally for this extended focus session. Run through a quick mindfulness exercise, find a quiet corner if it’s open to you, and take a few deep breaths. There will be time enough to deal with other things on the other end of your Power Hour.
Hopefully, trying this strategy or some of its elements will help you get more done. We’re always here to ensure that your technology is prepared to support you during these times, too. Find out more about our managed IT services and support options by giving us a call at (607) 433-2200.
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