Driven to Distraction at Work: How to Focus and Be More Productive
The latest in Ned Hallowell’s Driven to Distraction series, Driven to Distraction at Work tackles ADHD on the job.
Driven to Distraction at Work: How to Focus and Be More Productive, by Edward M. Hallowell, M.D.
(Harvard Business Review Press; $26.00 hardcover; $9.10 Kindle)
Dr. Edward Hallowell is an expert on ADHD, but his tips for focus and productivity apply to all of us. Hallowell first addresses the six most common distractions at work: electronics, taking on too much work, hopping from idea to idea, worrying, solving others’ problems but not one’s own, and underachieving. He shows how each of these affects focus and productivity. He then explains how to recognize the types of distraction that affect you, and gives a five-point plan to improve your performance.
The rest of the book is dedicated to learning to train, manage, and maintain your ability to focus. Chapters address the creation of “flexible focus,” the importance of a healthy body and mind, and the power of human connection, emotion, and structure. As an adult who is overwhelmed with distraction, I found the book motivating and easy to read.
