Sometimes you need some distraction free space. Maybe it’s a new project you are working on, a new proposal or you just need to carefully craft a response to a clients email. I heard someone say the other day that the world is designed to distract you. Unfortunately I think it’s true.

When I need to find my focus I turn to my iPad. 

Notifications are a productivity killer. When you need to focus the last thing you need to know about is that cute puppy video on Facebook.

There’s a cost to all these distractions.

I do love the Internet and the inter connectedness I feel to my family and friends with apps like Facebook. However, I feel we can easily “get lost” by checking in on Facebook all the time.

There are times when I need focus. I need to turn off the world and just grab some time to think ahead and reflect. If you don’t do this on a regular basis then you really ought to think about why not.

When I need to go distraction free I turn to my iPad.

Here’s how I set it up so I’m not distracted:

• Airplane mode – Want to just think and just do with your iPad? Turn airplane mode on and you are all set.
• Move to a quiet room – I will leave my desk behind and seek out the conference room. It’s too easy to get distracted by a phone call or incoming alert. Now if you can’t move then I suggest turning off your monitor on your workstation. Also you can hit the do not disturb button on your phone.
• Pen & paper – I like to  have a pen along with a pad of paper. I still like to write down ideas by hand and sketch a quick diagram by hand. Sometimes this helps with the task at hand. Also I want to keep track of any great ideas I might have and it’s nice and say to capture them

Sounds great but you don’t have an iPad:

• Laptop – Do  you have a laptop? Many of the same principles I mentioned above can be applied to a laptop.

What if none of these work for you:

• Freedom – It’s an app that pretty much works with every platform. It can free you from distraction. You can block everything or pick and choose what you want to block. You can setup recurring sessions and set a timer.

Don’t lose sight of your goal. Remember the world wants to distract you. Isolate yourself and focus on your priorities.

Let’s talk more about this on Twitter.