We all know the feeling: you sit down to do one quick thing online and suddenly it's two hours later, your to-do list is untouched, and you're not entirely sure how you ended up watching dog agility competitions or scrolling memes. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone. On this episode of The Monday Morning Marketing Podcast, episode 199, Esther and Melanie discuss how to avoid falling into digital rabbit holes and actually get stuff done.
The Scroll Trap Is Real
Melanie admits that content creation, especially learning tools like Canva, has led to many unplanned deep dives. Esther adds that research and idea generation for social posts can quickly go off track, turning five minutes into an hour of bouncing between blogs, videos, and competitor content.
The culprit? Platforms and websites designed to keep us engaged (read: distracted).
Structure Your Focus
One of the best solutions Melanie swears by is focus hours. These are structured online sessions where you declare a goal, work quietly for around 50 minutes, and check back in. It's about accountability, not pressure. Whether it’s drafting a blog, creating a full social post set, or finalising an email sequence, knowing you only have an hour helps you stay on task.
Track Where Your Time Actually Goes
Esther recommends using tools like Clockify or Toggl to track time spent on tasks. These apps help you see the difference between what feels like "just five minutes" and what actually eats up your workday.
You can also check your phone's screen time settings to see just how much time you're giving to each app. Eye-opening stuff.
Use Timers and Digital Limits
Another effective method is using the Pomodoro Technique. This breaks your work into 25-minute focus blocks with short breaks in between, helping you avoid burnout and stay productive.
Need more boundaries? There are browser extensions that limit access to certain sites after a set time (e.g. 10 minutes of social media per hour). Esther recommends using these to help train your focus and reduce mindless scrolling.
Notifications Are Not Your Friend
Melanie suggests switching off notifications—even just temporarily. You don’t need to know the moment someone posts a story or comments on a photo. The alerts will still be there when you’re ready to look. Less noise = more progress.
Your Environment Matters
Where you work impacts your productivity. Melanie finds home too distracting (hello cats, dishes, and snack breaks), while Esther thrives in a quiet space and is more sensitive to background music. Know what environment helps you concentrate and, where possible, design your work setup around it.
Keep Yourself Accountable
Working alone? Get an accountability buddy. Just having someone ask, "How much time did you spend on socials this week?" can keep your habits in check. It might be awkward at first, but it’s a great motivator to stay focused.
Using Digital Tools to Curb Digital Distractions
Yes, it’s ironic. But the same tech that distracts us can also be used to keep us on track. The key is intention. You don’t have to swear off socials or ban yourself from Canva. Just work smarter, not longer.
Esther and Melanie suggest:
- Scheduling your digital tasks in advance
- Using timers, blockers, or tracking tools
- Being aware of your time and environment
Remember, just because something is online doesn’t mean it’s urgent. Be intentional with your attention and you’ll get far more done, in far less time.
