In the middle of the term, when I have a ton of different things going on, I sometimes find it hard to stay focused.
And I know I’m not the only one.
One of my favorite strategies for staying motivated is body doubling, or the act of working alongside someone, either in person or virtually, to boost focus and accountability. It’s a concept that’s been around for a while but has gained new popularity, especially among people who identify as neurodiverse. The idea is simple: when someone is physically or virtually with me while I work, I’m less likely to get distracted or procrastinate, even if they are not working on the same thing that I am.
I’ve definitely found this to be true when I host Prolific creative retreats where we all work on different tasks. When someone else is working nearby or simultaneously to me, I find that it creates a gentle pressure for me to stay on task. Their presence alone is often enough to help me stay grounded.
If you are struggling with focus, body doubling can be a game-changer. Whether it’s a colleague, a family member, or a friend, this practice can help you stay focused and make progress on those tasks that seem endless.
One of the best things about body doubling is its flexibility. Here are a few examples of how it can be adapted to fit different working styles:
- Meet in a shared office or library space, and have each person work on their own tasks. Just having a colleague nearby can be enough to keep both of you focused.
- If you’re working with students, offer group study or co-working sessions that can benefit both parties. Students often feel more motivated when they know you’re working alongside them.
- Set up a virtual work session with a colleague. You can hop on a Zoom call, mute yourselves, and simply work in silence with cameras on. The visual reminder of another person working can help keep you on track.
- In a virtual setting, some people like to pair body doubling with a timed technique like the Pomodoro method, where you work in focused bursts and take breaks together.
Have you used body doubling before? How does it work for you?