Distractions are a Menace
Distractions can come in many forms and they reek havoc on your mindset, your money and your dedication to mastery. In order for us to master our minds and our money we need to limit the amount of distractions. This post discusses some of the biggest distractions we face daily and potential ways to overcome them.
Types of Distractions
Let me first start by saying I definitely do not have this all figured out, nor have I mastered the art of avoiding distractions, but there are a few distractions that I have noticed in my life where maybe you can relate.
A distraction can be defined as diverting attention from one area to another. I also like to think of a distraction as anything that allows your mind to wander off your current topic. There are two main types of distractions that I have found; those we have control over and those that we have less control over. Within each are multiple items, but keep in mind that the way you react to these distractions can potentially be more powerful than simply trying to overcome them.
Distractions you can control
We can all agree that technology should be something we have control over. When I say technology I am referencing that favorite show on Netflix that you are mid season on or maybe that show you have wanted to start. Since many of us are working from home, it’s very easy to have something on in the “background” until you find that your work computer has gone dark because it has been at least 15 minutes of inactivity. So, you are not really sure how long you have been “inactive”.
Social media
The other technology distraction could be that little mini computer to the right or left of your work computer. You know, the one that has all your text messages, Facebook posts, Instagram posts, maybe even a really addicting game that is our guilty pleasure? Yes, you guessed it, your mobile phone! Why does that draw our attention so much? Do we really care what the latest political post is from someone that we barely talk to? I’m over generalizing, of course.
The “to-do” list
The last distraction that comes to mind are house holding items that need to be accomplished. Since many of us are working from home, this may include having to take care of stay at home children. Or the nagging feeling of whether or not I should do that “little bit of laundry” before the evening. What about getting things prepared for dinner? Maybe it’s even a situation where you are worrying about an ageing parent and wondering if you need to call them. After all, who is there to hold you accountable for that two hour “lunch break”?
Please do not misunderstand, many of these are viable concerns and worth noting. I am simply stating that there are some distractions that we have more control over.
Distractions that are difficult to control
In this category we will discuss the various types of distractions that we may have difficulty controlling. These could be the typically emergencies that pop up unexpectedly. Phone calls that take longer than expected or Zoom meetings that go over which bleed into your next calendar block and get you off track. That errand you needed to run during lunch but got stuck in traffic. Appointments for the house that take longer than expected, i.e. the cable person or the plumber or the basement insulation people. These are all examples of situations where you have an expectation and it just doesn’t go your way.
How does this affect our focus?
I struggle with many of these distractions on a day to day basis but have found ways to stay focused that work for me and may work for you.
Distractions first can be a nuisance because they stop whatever process or mindset we were in at the time. I especially get frustrated when I am in a zone with writing or working on a project and then the phone buzzes or the doorbell rings.
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Distractions kill productivity
When distractions pop up it can destroy our productivity. It can stall our motivation and can also disrupt our mindset. I have said many times to myself, “I will just take a quick lunch break and watch one episode on Netflix….” Two hours later and three episodes later, I’m frustrated that I allowed myself to get caught up and not be productive. As entrepreneurs, our time is so very precious. Treat it that way. I am not advocating working eight to faint with no breaks. That’s what we are trying to escape by becoming entrepreneurs! But I am saying you must plan your day.
This is incredibly important specifically since we are focused on mastering our mind to create wealth and confirming that financial freedom is not a myth. Therefore, we need to control those inputs that affect our mind. If you haven’t, I would strongly encourage you to read the book, ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Successful People‘ by Stephen R. Covey. That book goes beyond the scope of my post, but there are some key points that would help anyone be more successful.
So the questions are now; how do we keep ourselves focused to accomplish our goal? How can we break out of the menacing distraction cycle that invades our mind and causes us frustration and loss of productivity? Distractions will inevitably happen, so how can we avoid them?
How can we minimize distractions?
There are many ways to minimize distractions, but I will break it down into 5 specific ways that, if nothing else may give you some options. Ultimately for these to work we really have to want to remove distractions out of our life. If we don’t truly want to make a change, it will not matter how many different “programs” we try, they will all be unsuccessful. You have to want it! This is where the mindset change comes into play. Do you want it?
Set the mood
The first way that I have noticed that helps me honestly is to have some background music. Silence can be more distracting oftentimes than ambient noise. I however, set the stage. I like to put on a Youtube channel that is either a café or beach scene. This is dependent on what particular mood I am in at the time. The café must have the sounds of light jazz and rain falling on the windows. Calmed by nature is the channel. I added the link above.
This channel transforms me into a café in Europe where I on a trip but wanted to get some work done since it is raining outside. I love this feeling because it also makes me feel independent and free but focused. I use the café the majority of the time.
Goal setting
A second way that I like in order stay focused and avoid distractions is establishing daily goals for myself that are based on my long term goals. You hold yourself accountable for this to work affectively. Imagine you have a long term goal to lose 40 pounds in 12 months or purchase your first real estate rental property in the next 3 months. What are you doing every day to reach those goals?
I learned in the book, ‘The Compound Effect‘ by Darren Hardy that daily actions done consistently add up so quickly. It’s a very simple concept but gets overlooked. Keep a journal and write down your 5 long term goals and everyday at the end of the day write down what you did that day which correlates to that goal. This helps your mindset to stay motivated for the the end goal. “Stay on Target!”
Organize your mind
I know it may sound cliché and redundant, but to avoid distractions; become organized. This third one may go without saying, but utilizing your calendar or some organization software such as Trello (this is what I use to prioritize) can be paramount for organizational success.
Within the calendar method, make sure to schedule in breaks. Block off times and make sure that you can make it fun. If you need a break take a break, if you need to schedule a lunch to clear your mind, do it. You control your future, but keep in mind the goal. Remember the “why” and how if you take breaks all day, your goal may take longer.
Lose the phone
The Fourth one is going to be tough for a number of reasons. I am shaking my head as I’m writing this, but one of the major keys to success on mastering your mind to overcome distractions is to take away your phone. I know, but what if someone needs you or what if you miss a call?
This is also why we take breaks. We take breaks to check in. Especially if you have a child at school or an ageing parent. I get it. These things are incredibly important. Could you remove your phone for 30 minutes? 45 minutes? Allow yourself zero distractions for a certain amount of time. It’s amazing how productive you can be without “needing” to check Instagram every 5 minutes…
Clean the workspace
Last suggestion I have here is to “clean it up”. I mean this in the nicest way possible, but this is so important, especially working from home. Set yourself up for success by starting the day with intention, have a plan to either get up early, workout, take a shower and get dressed for work.
I find that I am so much more successful and productive when I get dressed for work and not just wear shorts and a T-shirt. Put on some nicer clothes, make some coffee for your self and set an area that is your “office”. If you don’t have a home office set up, create an area that is not in front of the TV. Side note, if you have a home office make sure it is a tidy as possible. Please do not have yesterdays sandwich wrapper still on the computer desk or the cola that you didn’t quite finish which left a nice water ring.
In Conclusion
I really hope you enjoyed my discussion on ways to master your productivity. I sincerely hope you don’t allow distractions to be a menace to your self-mastery. Bonus, there is a program that I use which is not included above called the ‘Millionaire Productivity Secrets’ training. This is an excellent course that can break some of these points down even further. If you are interested in changing your life and making a bigger difference in the world, click here and watch the short video and you will have a chance to get access to that program.
Cheers to your success and See you at the Top!
-Cameron
distractions!