Doubling Down on Productivity: How Body Doubling Can Boost Your Focus

Have you ever found yourself staring at your computer, knowing that you have work to do but unable to remember what it is or decide where to start? Or perhaps you’ve felt overwhelmed by a mountainous to-do list, distracted by the sheer volume of things racing through your head.

If so, you’re not alone.

As someone who largely works alone and is 100% responsible for managing my time, I seem to vacillate between struggling to focus because I have too much to do and struggling to focus because I don’t have enough to do. I’m always seeking that “just right” state that allows me to enter flow and do my best work.

I’ve identified a system and tools that help me to stay productive but not overwhelmed, and I’m often responsible for helping my clients build these systems and identify these tools, so I’m always learning and trying new things.

Enter body doubling, the practice of working alongside someone else, either in person or virtually, to increase focus and accountability. It's a strategy commonly used by individuals with attention-related challenges, such as ADHD, but its benefits extend far beyond that.

Picture this: You're sitting down to tackle a daunting task, but your mind keeps wandering, and distractions seem to lurk around every corner (literally — you work from home and you have laundry over there). Enter your body double — a trusted friend, colleague, or even a virtual accountability partner. With them by your side, you suddenly feel a renewed sense of purpose and determination. As you both dive into your work, the mere presence of another person helps to keep you on track, minimizing the temptation to stray off course.

But body doubling isn't just about having someone watch over your shoulder—it's about creating a supportive environment where productivity can flourish.

By working alongside someone who shares your goal of getting work done, you feel less alone in your struggles and more motivated to stay focused and engaged. You can share your goals for the session or keep them to yourself. You can stay on camera to hold yourself accountable for staying at your desk, or you can stay off camera knowing that your partner is in this with you. You can check in every 30 minutes or every 15.

I’ve personally experienced the power of body doubling, and while it can feel a little awkward to meet with someone and then not actually talk to them, knowing there will be periodic check-ins about how it’s going is a surprisingly strong motivator. Not only does it hold me accountable for staying on task, but it also provides a sense of camaraderie and support that boosts my morale, especially when I need to work on something that is less than exciting in itself.

So how can you harness the power of body doubling in your own life? Start by reaching out to a friend, colleague, or online community and expressing your interest in trying out this productivity strategy together.

Set clear goals and boundaries for your body doubling sessions, and don't be afraid to experiment with different approaches until you find what works best for you.

To be honest, I’m writing this in part to gauge my network’s interest in body doubling with me, so let me know if you’re interested!