(Part 2 of a three-part series where we really dig down in order to find those magical solutions that will increase your productivity)

Early in the year, I declared publicly that I was so sick of the “Big O.” Overwhelm, that it. (ha! Gotcha!) I love that the two strategies we discussed in the first installment of this series really help to overcome overwhelm – which is one of the biggest enemies of productivity.

Here, I’m sharing two more simple yet effective ways to clear the clutter from your life and find your focus for super-powered productivity.

Strategy 3: Tune Out Distractions: If you’re up to your eyeballs with distractions, then it’s time to say goodbye to all of those bright, shiny technical playthings and other disruptions, and double down for some serious work!

One company experimented with this idea by instituting technology-free Fridays, encouraging employees to turn off all non-essential tech equipment. The resulting improvement in productivity was so impressive that the firm made this event a permanent tradition.

Even if you are a solopreneur, you can follow their example in order to improved productivity. Simply consider building “technology free” or “distraction free” time into your schedule. This can range from moving to a zone in your office or home that is “tech-free” to going  old school and (gasp!) turning everything OFF!

If technology is your weakness, consider at the very least unplugging from the internet and turning off your phone for distraction-free work time. Or if you must plug in, write down an internet-specific “to do” list to help you to stay on task or use a timer – most smart phones have them or – again, I love the old-school stuff – you can even use an egg timer from your kitchen. Set the time, be realistic about what you can accomplish in that time, and stick to your guns by staying focused and on-task until the timer runs out.

If chatty coworkers are your challenge, for those who work in groups or open office space, try temporarily relocating to a more remote office space, working from home for the day, or the professional’s equivalent of a sock on the door – putting some ipod headphones in your ears and pretending like you can’t hear people when they ask if you watched Dancing with the Stars last night.

Strategy 4: Single Task Projects & Multitask In Between: According to prevailing corporate group think, multi-tasking is clearly THE BEST way to get anything done. Right?

Wrong.

Cognitive studies have decimated that idea. In fact, one study done by researchers at Stanford University found that hard core “multitaskers” actually fared poorly on cognitive and memory tests that included elements of distraction.

What may be a surprise is that multitasking can often be an inefficient use of time because a divided attention span cuts into a person’s ability to learn and retain information and interferes with their decision-making capacity.

If you find multitasking to be a barrier to progress, consider a paradigm shift that accelerates task completion: first single task — then multitask in-between.

By following the “one thing at a time” rule instead of packing things in, you give yourself more time to focus on what you do best. And by switching to “multitask in between” you can still get other things done. Just know that your work flow will be broken down into more practical, saner intervals.

Consider planning your day around your more pressing tasks, then schedule your less demanding tasks for specific intervals of time. Technology can be a great boon here if used thoughtfully. One small business owner, for example, heavily relies on her Outlook and phone apps to manage details like reminders to make important phone calls. The trick is to make a full stop at what you are actively doing to complete tasks at scheduled times, then return to more pressing matters.

….How’s your productivity battery feeling now? Getting energized? Feeling like you’re getting “in the zone?” Yay – Mission Accomplished – and there’s still more! Add these two powerful (some say magical) strategies for boosting productivity into your daily routine – and check back here soon for the final installment of this series…