When temperatures rise, it’s easy to get distracted, mainly because you would rather be outside enjoying the sun than handling your tasks. Luckily, it is possible to stay focused and productive during the summer. If you aren’t sure where to begin, here are eight tips that can help.

1. Clarify Expectations

First, it’s wise to make sure you’re clear on what’s expected of you. If you haven’t discussed expectations with your manager recently, schedule an appointment to do so. That way, you know what you’ll need to do to succeed in your position.

2. Set Goals

Once you understand the expectations, set goals that align with those requirements. This can include blocking time out on your calendar for handling critical tasks, creating to-do lists, or any other approach that lets you identify and pursue the right targets.

3. Pace Yourself

Overworking yourself can hinder your ability to focus. While you want to remain diligent and productive, that doesn’t mean you need to push yourself to the brink. Instead, allocate your time wisely. For example, separate challenging assignments by intermixing simpler ones. Also, put your breaks on your calendar, ensuring you take a step back and recharge regularly.

4. Stay in Touch

If you’re working on group projects, make communication a priority. By ensuring teammates are apprised of your progress and keeping tabs on theirs, you can anticipate obstacles, adjust for roadblocks, or offer assistance at the best times. This can increase the odds that the project will stay on target.

5. Silence Notifications

Notifications can be incredibly distracting. If you need to stay focused, silence your notifications while you work on any project that requires the utmost attention. That way, popups or alert sounds won’t draw your attention away, harming your ability to concentrate.

6. Have a Motivation Touchstone

Keeping an item on your desk that motivates you to excel can work wonders when you need to stay productive. With a quick glance, you can remind yourself as to why the effort is worthwhile, making it easier to return to the task at hand with renewed energy.

7. Embrace Organization

A moment spent organizing can save you minutes or longer down the road. Make sure everything always returns to its proper place, that digital files are well labeled, and that clutter is banished from your work area, computer desktop, and other physical or digital spaces you use regularly. That way, when you need to find something, you know right where to look.

8. Take Time Off

If warm weather is distracting you, schedule some time off to enjoy it. A vacation can be invigorating, giving you a chance to recharge. Then, when you come back to work, you’ll be ready to focus, making it easier to remain productive for the rest of the season.

We Can Help Boost Your Productivity

If you’d like to learn more about how you can boost your productivity, the staff at VB can help. Contact us today.