- 1). Close your email inbox and allot specific times throughout the day for checking, reading and answering emails. If closing your inbox just isn't an option, turn off your new message notifications, including sounds and pop-ups, to help you resist the temptation to check your mail.
- 2). Minimize multitasking windows to prevent switching back and forth between your project and distractions like your Internet browser or instant messenger. If your operating system offers a full-screen mode for your programs, use this setting to block other programs from view while you are working. If you don't have a full screen option on your OS, try a program like MinimOther to isolate the program being used.
- 3). Take down your Bookmarks toolbar. If your browser stores your bookmarks in a tantalizing row across the top of your browser window, this increases the temptation to take just one little peek at that social networking feed or have just one level of the latest game. Store your bookmarks under the bookmark tab and make separate folders for your distracting bookmarks.
- 4). Time yourself. If shutting down distractions entirely isn't possible, allot yourself a specific time for "fun" browsing and stick to it -- that means stopping when the time is up. An egg timer works well to help you divide your time into productive and fun minutes.
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