“There are always distractions if you allow them.”  –Tony La Russa

Have you ever said “Where did the time go”?

Sometimes we have no idea how we spend our time.

We start the day with the best intentions of completing specific projects, but somehow distractions get in the way!

However, nothing gets done, which leaves us feeling unproductive!

Distraction is defined as: “something that distracts : an object that directs one’s attention away from something else”.

Distraction Examples!

Distractions can take various forms, keeping us from doing what we say we are going to do.

It’s essential to stay focused and here are a few examples of potential distractions:

🔸 Scrolling various platforms.
🔹 Indulge in watching TV or favorite streaming series.
🔸 Frequent text messaging.
🔹 Constantly checking and responding to emails.
🔸 Having a cluttered workspace or living area.
🔹 Interacting with coworkers, family members, or friends.
🔸 Playing with our pets.
🔹 Constant pings and alerts from apps and devices.
🔸 Juggling multiple tasks simultaneously.
🔹 Loud surroundings or background noise.
🔸 Unexpected phone calls, drop-in visitors, or sudden emergencies.
🔹 Unnecessary, poorly organized meetings.

To combat these distractions, it’s crucial to develop strategies and habits that help maintain focus and increase productivity.

Familiar Scenario?

You’re in the kitchen unloading the dishwasher, when suddenly you notice a small stack of mail on the kitchen counter that should be on your desk.

The unloading is halted while you grab the stack of mail and walk it over to your desk.

You suddenly hear an email come through so you stop and answer it.

Meanwhile, the dishes are still waiting to be put away in the kitchen and who knows when that will happen?

One solution that might be helpful is for you to keep a log of everything you do in a day so you know exactly how you are spending your time.

If you want to get a handle on exactly how you spend time, the time log is an extremely useful self management tool, and a good way to practice self-care.

Another Idea!

Set a timer for an hour a day, ignore the distractions, and focus on completing just one task.

NickWignall.com has an interesting three step approach, it’s called the distractions list.

1. Whenever you sit down to do some meaningful work, keep a small notebook or pad of paper and pencil next to you.
2. When you notice yourself distracted by a particular thought, feeling, or any other internal event, quickly jot it down and then re-focus your attention onto your work.
3. When you’ve finished your work, briefly review your Distractions List: Take note of anything important on the list and make a brief plan for taking care of it (e.g.: Set a reminder in your phone to pick up bananas at 5:05 pm).

Creating a distractions list and acknowledging the disruptions that may pop up in our daily routine, is a crucial step toward improving productivity.

By identifying distractions, we empower ourselves to develop habits that keep us on track.

This proactive approach allows us to manage our time and make better choices, enhancing our efficiency in all areas of life.

“I can predict the long-term outcome of your success if you show me your daily habits.”
-John Maxwell

TOPIC: How To Focus With Constant Distractions!

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