If you’re into productivity, here’s a notice you might find handy…

In the 1970s, the US Naval Academy did a study to see how long the average person could remain focused on a single task… this was for the purpose of improving their instructional design programs – they wanted to make sure classroom time was used to maximum efficiency.

What they found… regardless of the instruction method, whether lecture, workbook, round-robin participation… was that about the maximum time anyone could remain focused was about 18 minutes.

After that, concentration plummeted like an anchor dropped off the continental shelf.

What this means to you and me is that we CAN maintain serious focus IF we allocate our energy to time-limited chunks.

So… if you’re facing a Gi-Normous project that’s going to eat your life, break it down into clear, specific chunks. First, pick a time segment that’s totally under your control. Then, work your tail off for that specific amount of time.

Me, I like 30 minute chunks, because you can get an awful lot done in 30 minutes, especially if you dedicate your full attention to the task.  That means turn off the email, let the answering machine do its job, and shut yourself away.

Don’t meander from one task to the other. Stay focused on accomplishing exactly what you intended to do.

Just a quick little tip I thought you might find handy at work or in your business. Give it a try.

Here’s another thought – how about swinging by the office here at Matson & Cuprill and spend a bit of focused time talking about your long-term financial goals?  I’m all about using time wisely, so I promise we can create a lot of benefit in just one short meeting.  Give us a call at 513-563-PLAN (7526) or book online to set up a time that works for you.

Regards,
Dan Cuprill, CFP®