Need to Get Work Done? Get on an Airplane.

You are somewhat forced to either go to sleep (which I cannot do) or get to work, read a book, have a conversation with a passenger, or sit in boredom as you face the seat in front of you.

To say the least, your options are quite limited.

Personally, I treat it as a time to put the headphones in and catch up on work. In that time on a flight I am able to accomplish more in a couple of hours than I am in half a day at the office. The reason, zero distractions. No emails flowing in or phone calls. If I feel stuck, I will read a book or magazine, and I am able to read faster than anywhere else, because once again, the distractions are removed.

The most productive you can ever be is dedicating yourself to a single task. However, in the office, at home, in a coffee shop or whereever it is you may go, we are bombarded by distractions. We are continuously partially engaged in everything we do, and that directly impacts our productivity.

“When you switch away from a primary task to do something else, you’re increasing the time it takes to finish that task by an average of 25 percent.” – Tony Schwartz

As good as a multitasker you think you are, you are not. You are actually just task switching. It is not just tasks either, it is conversations. How many conversations have you had longer than five minutes without feeling the need to check your phone or have your phone at the table next to you?

Give someone or something the gift of your undivided attention. Go into airplane mode for 30 minutes, an hour or two every day and see how much it gives you back. That’s the true definition of commitment.

Hunter Territo | @HunterTerrito