Distractions are the number one reason why things don’t get completed. We have lots and lots of things that often distract us from our goal and then we wonder why our dreams aren’t happening yet. We get frustrated and are ready to throw in the towel when really all we need to do is turn off the distraction.
Turn off the social media
It doesn’t matter what platform you are hanging out at, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and so on, they are all stopping you from getting things done. So, turn it off. No seriously, close the browser, turn off the notification and focus on what you are working on. Social media is a HUGE time suck and leads to comparisonitis. You want what others have but trust me, it isn’t happening when you spend too much time scrolling through groups and other people’s posts.
Turn off the shows
Ok, I am going to say that this may not apply to everyone. I can totally write blog posts while watching criminal intent or editing my coloring book pages. I can’t have the TV going when I am working on course content or other big projects. You get sucked into the show, the story line and before you know it, kids are home from school and you have to cook dinner. Know yourself well enough that depending on the project, turning off the shows may be a good idea.
Stop checking the email
Create a policy for yourself about the when you will check your email. You do not have to respond to each incoming email right away. Just because you may be working on your computer and *could* respond to the e-mail, doesn’t mean you should right away. Having a time in the morning and evening is plenty to respond to emails.
Put the cell phone away
This may be by far one of the biggest distractions these days! Just like with email you don’t have to respond to every call or text that is coming in. If the message is important enough, people generally will leave a message for you and you can call them back. You can discern by the caller ID or text coming in the level of importance and decide whether it’s worth it to interrupt your own work.
Workaround the kids’ schedule
2020 – Pandemic and now kids going to school from home have been huge part of the distractions we experienced. Since my life has been rather chaotic over the years, I’ve been able to refine and by the time I did, they were older and even moved out.
But what’s a mom to do with little ones? Take advantage of nap time and bedtime, those times are moments for you to hyper-focus and not necessarily indulge in a donut and cup of coffee. Although I wouldn’t really knock you for that either. But as mom’s we know our kids best, and while they can be unpredictable, you can get a lot done in a 1 or 2-hour time span or wait until they are asleep at night. And if you can’t, get yourself some support that can occupy your kids, so you can get some things done.
All of that distracts you is about being clear on your boundaries and how important that goal is to you. You aren’t going to respond to an email coming in while on the call with a client. Use the same concept when it comes to getting things done.
