Sports often teach me lessons that apply far beyond the game. One of my favorites comes from basketball: when you’re behind by 20 points, you can’t take a 20-point shot. The only way to catch up is step by step — one basket at a time, two points at a time (or three, if you’re Stephen Curry).
I think of this whenever I am overwhelmed with work. The urge to land a miracle shot and fix everything instantly is strong, but it rarely succeeds. A better approach is to move steadily and intentionally. Approach your inbox and to-do list with deliberate calm. A short pause can sharpen your focus and help you move forward more efficiently. This enables you to work through tasks efficiently and keeps you from feeling frantic.
Easier said than done? Absolutely. Like sports, it takes consistent practice. And like taking a mindful break with a quick Koi Fortune login, sometimes you need a small mental reset before you return to the game.
To help you build this habit, here are five practical tips.
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Handle Easy Tasks Alongside Your Bigger Challenges
I believe in facing formidable challenges directly, but it’s as essential to sprinkle in smaller, achievable goals along the way. It’s the combination that’s important. Small victories are crucial for maintaining your drive and enthusiasm. We all do.
Listen to the experts. Kimberly Elsbach and Andrew Hargadon from UC Davis recommend mixing up tasks. This strategy can help you stay focused and productive. They say we should mix ‘mindful’ (challenging) tasks with ‘mindless’ (easy) ones. This allows us to manage our schedules and keep moving forward on larger projects.
An undeniable thrill comes with ticking an item off your to-do list. Celebrate small wins to feel good. Channel that momentum into tackling your larger, more challenging tasks.
Give Your Brain Space To Learn
Plenty of research supports this advice. Robert Duke led a particularly noteworthy study at the University of Texas at Austin. It aimed to find the best practice techniques for performance. His research team looked at 17 skilled piano students. They practiced a tough three-measure section from a Shostakovich concerto. They kept going until they felt ready to play it perfectly. The research showed that top players slowed down at key moments. This helped them avoid repeating mistakes.
What does this mean for the rest of us in our everyday work? Slow down when taking in new information. During meetings, avoid checking your email or glancing at your phone. Let complex new information reach your brain without distractions.
Take Control of Those Crazy Notifications
The nonstop buzzing of phones and pop-up messages is meant to make you more productive. According to Deloitte’s 2018 “Global Human Capital Trends” report, nearly half of business and HR leaders expressed concern. They think collaboration tools aren’t boosting productivity or helping to meet business goals.
The solution? Create periods of quiet where you’re free from constant notifications. Turn the phone off in meetings. Notifications are helpful, but only if they don’t distract you all day.
Apps Can Help
With those last two tips, you might assume I’m all for cutting ties with technology and devices. I’m not. I’m firmly rooted in reality — and yes, I genuinely enjoy using my devices.
Consider this: Rather than using technology to add more tasks, use it to plan quick breaks in your day. I use an app that finds small time windows, even 10 minutes a day. It helps me slow my mind, recharge my focus, and regain energy.
Experiment
In a 2019 survey by Dropbox and August (conducted by Qualtrics), 61% of 500 knowledge workers chose to slow down to do things right. Only 41% preferred to speed up to get more done.
You’re not alone if you ever feel that speed is valued over quality. Many Americans share your concerns. So, how can we respond to this pressure? Create our own space to think. Even if it feels unnecessary some days, it’s not — consider it an investment in your long-term success.