Distraction is considered one of the main causes of poor work. This is because distraction prevents you from doing what Cal Newport, Associate Professor of Computer Science at Georgetown University in the US, calls 'deep work'. If you master deep work, defined as 'the ability to focus without distraction on a cognitively demanding task', you will achieve extraordinary results, he says. Social media and, in general, internet, are the main cause of distraction: many studies out there state that we spend between 3 and 5 hours on our phones every day. Other studies scarily say that, even if you get distracted for few seconds or minutes (what it takes to quickly check your Instagram feed), it takes you up to 25 minutes to go back to your task and get concentred again.
As this is such an important topic, we will write about possible solutions to overcome the distraction era and help you achieve more. Start with Newport's book, 'Deep Work', that gives actionable advice on how to master the ability of doing amazing work. Then, download an app called 'Be Focused' (yes, a bit contradictory as we are trying to keep you away from your phone) that will help you stay focused by breaking up individual tasks among discrete intervals, separated by short breaks. You can set up goals, track your performance over time and review it.
If refreshing your Oral Surgery and Sedation skills is part of your plan, talk to us. We run courses for Dentists and Dental Hygienists in London multiple times a year. We'd love to meet you.