Want to know something funny?
I was today years old when I found out that a Power Hour is actually a drinking game where you have to take a shot of an alcoholic beverage every minute for 60 minutes.
If that’s why you are here, sorry to disappoint. I couldn’t make it past four shots if I’m being honest but that’s neither here nor there.
The Power Hour that I am talking about is 60-minutes of uninterrupted, intense focus on a task or tasks. I implement power hours into my weekly routine because my focus isn’t always the best and this helps get me centered and creative.
I definitely endured some trial and error, but I was adamant about continuing to try until I got it right. Here are a few tips to have an effective (sober) power hour.
Plan It
Just like you plan team meetings at work, Zumba class at the gym (pre-covid) or a dinner reservation, this should be treated as such. Set the intention in advance that you are going to designate 60 minutes to whatever it is sitting on your plate that you need to get completed. I found that when I plan how I want my hour to go, I actually honor that time and have a successful and productive hour.
Isolate Yourself
I know in the age of Covid, this may or may not be feasible for you depending on your many other important life roles (parent, spouse, caregiver, etc) but if you are able to, isolate yourself. Pick a quiet corner in your home that you will have minimal to no distractions for the next 60 minutes.
Set the Mood
Get the playlist ready, some smell good candles, and some nice moody lighting. Your environment really does have a direct impact on the effectiveness of your hour. I like to have ambient sound or a jazz playlist playing in the background (Coffeehouse Music is a fav) while my main light is off and my desk light is on. I also bring in whatever snacks and drinks I need to keep me from getting up unnecessarily. Vanilla Bean Macaron tea will have you feeling all kinds of soothing.
Move Your Phone
Toss on your bed, place in the bathroom, or put it in the fridge. THEE number one factor that will distract you during this hour is your phone. If you need to have it near you, put on Do Not Disturb and facedown.
Set a Timer
If you ignore the previous tip and still have your phone, go ahead and set a 60 minute timer. Or you could find a 60-minute playlist on youtube and when it transitions to the next playlist, you’ll know your time is up.
No Judgment
Remember, 60 minutes is actually a long time to sit with intense focus. Especially in 2020. I pick up my phone every 10 minutes (I know I got a problem). Part of the reason why these Power Hours are so essential to me. If 60-minutes seems like too long, try for 15 minutes or 30 minutes and increase the time as your discipline increases. Don’t judge yourself. It’s an effective tool but it’s not the ONLY tool.
