getting shit done in spite of myself

Bite-size tip – Use Music to Help You Focus

I keep coming across great tips for fooling myself into getting things done, but they don’t warrant a full-on blog post by themselves, and I’m just not organized enough — yet — to do regular “round-up” posts. So instead, I’ll post bite-size tips every day.

That way, you can have access to them right away, and as a side benefit for ME, the subconscious pressure I feel to write a fully thought-out blog post every day will be relieved. Phew! Plus I’ll feel all warm and fuzzy about having done SOMETHING productive. Win-win!

So, without further ado…

Today’s Bite-size Tip:

If you’re having trouble focusing, try playing music very quietly in the background as you work. Or, maybe you like it loud. Whatever works for YOU. I like to set one or two CDs to repeat/random shuffle. They’re old favorites, so I’m not distracted by trying to listen to the lyrics; I already know them by heart. Music really does soothe the savage beast [aka my anxiety] when I’m afraid I will never have another thought worth sharing.

I like to think of this blog as a laboratory, so please report back on your experiences with various methods you’ve tried. That way, we can all benefit from each other’s experience. What helps you focus? Tell us in the comments below!

Image credit: angie Wize

  • http://www.BeAwesomeOnline.com Catherine Caine

    Oh heck yes. If I'm blocked, a loud singable song helps get me unstuck.

  • http://completeflake.com/ LaVonne Ellis

    What's you're favorite “unsticking” music? I love Diana Krall, but I'm listening right now to a Tom Waits mixtape I got for Mother's Day. :)

  • http://www.BeAwesomeOnline.com Catherine Caine

    Ooh, lessee…

    System of a Down. Led Zeppelin. Powderfinger. You know, easy listening. :)

  • http://completeflake.com/ LaVonne Ellis

    Ah, perfect for cleaning house, too!

  • http://www.skajawills.com misty obrien

    music is so awesome. i'm either listening to music or podcasts while i'm working.

    though, sometimes, i listen to burn notice (tv show) in the background. :) (guilty pleasure)

  • http://completeflake.com/ LaVonne Ellis

    Yes, I find that sometimes mindless TV-watching can work, if I'm not trying
    to learn something. For that, my favorite show is House Hunters on HGTV.
    Strange how the mind works, isn't it?

  • http://www.BeAwesomeOnline.com Catherine Caine

    Oh heck yes. If I'm blocked, a loud singable song helps get me unstuck.

  • http://completeflake.com/ LaVonne Ellis

    What's you're favorite “unsticking” music? I love Diana Krall, but I'm listening right now to a Tom Waits mixtape I got for Mother's Day. :)

  • http://www.BeAwesomeOnline.com Catherine Caine

    Ooh, lessee…

    System of a Down. Led Zeppelin. Powderfinger. You know, easy listening. :)

  • http://completeflake.com/ LaVonne Ellis

    Ah, perfect for cleaning house, too!

  • http://www.skajawills.com misty wills

    music is so awesome. i'm either listening to music or podcasts while i'm working.

    though, sometimes, i listen to burn notice (tv show) in the background. :) (guilty pleasure)

  • http://completeflake.com/ LaVonne Ellis

    Yes, I find that sometimes mindless TV-watching can work, if I'm not trying
    to learn something. For that, my favorite show is House Hunters on HGTV.
    Strange how the mind works, isn't it?

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