So, let’s talk about the “D” word. No, not that one. I’m talking about distractions! They’re like those annoying party crashers who show up uninvited and then refuse to leave.
Distractions come in all shapes and sizes – from the chatty coworker who won’t stop talking about their cat, to the construction work outside that sounds like a jackhammer convention. And let’s not forget about technology – social media, notifications, marketing emails, YES I’m looking at you lot.
The thing is, distractions are more than just pesky interruptions. They can actually mess with our mojo, and not in a good way. They can zap our attention span, increase our stress levels, and make us feel like we’re spinning our wheels.
And don’t even get me started on the negative impacts of distractions. They can turn us into mediocre workers, stress balls, and even burnout victims. Plus, they can mess with our physical and mental health, and make our relationships go from “it’s complicated” to “it’s over.” Yikes!
Okay, let’s get serious for a sec – we need to talk about how to kick those distractions to the curb. And NO, throwing your phone out the window isn’t an option (although it can be tempting).
Creating a distraction-free environment is key. Think of it like a mini fortress that shields you from the outside world. Turn off those pesky notifications on your phone and computer, slip on some noise-cancelling headphones (or earplugs if you’re feeling extra old-school), and find a quiet place to work. And if you still find yourself getting lost in the black hole of social media, use an app to block those distracting websites or apps. AND for goodness sake unsubscribe from those marketers that only send you sales emails and no worthy content for your hungry brain! Better still; start a new gmail account and only use it for your online business. Never subscribe to any lists with that account! There are a kazillion youtube videos that can show you how to manage your gmail accounts so you get those “Ohh so important(?)” legacy emails sent to your new account.
But let’s not forget about mental distractions. These can be just as sneaky and annoying as external distractions. So, how do we overcome them? Well, first off, practice some mindfulness meditation. It’s like a spa day for your brain. Use positive self-talk to stay focused (you got this!), write down those distracting thoughts to clear your mind, and visualize that end goal to stay motivated. And if all else fails, take some deep breaths and try not to hyperventilate.
Oh, and have you heard of the Pomodoro Technique? It’s not some fancy Italian cooking method, it’s a time management technique that involves breaking work down into intervals. So, work for 25 minutes, then take a short break. Rinse and repeat. It can help improve focus and productivity, and give you an excuse to take a mini dance break during your breaks (is that just me?).
Let’s also talk about mindfulness meditation. No, it’s not just an excuse to sit in silence and avoid your responsibilities (although that can be very appealing at times). Mindfulness meditation is all about being present in the moment, without any judgment. It can help you reduce stress, increase focus, and maybe even achieve world domination (ok, maybe not that last one).
And while we’re on the topic of taking breaks – yes, they’re important. No, they’re not an excuse to take a nap (although I won’t judge you if you do). Taking regular breaks is key to maintaining productivity and avoiding burnout. I personally work for 45 mins and break for 15 every hour, cos I’m old and my eyes suffer if I spend too long staring at the screen (Thanks I heard the “awww”). So, go ahead and stretch your legs, take a walk, or maybe even do some exercise. It’ll help refresh your mind, reduce stress, and maybe even inspire the next great novel (or at least a really good TikTok).
So, let’s also remind ourselves about the benefits of removing distractions. You can finally conquer that to-do list, reduce your stress levels, overcome that feeling of overwhelm and even improve your physical and mental health. Plus, you’ll have more time to focus on your relationships (and maybe even have a social life outside of your business – gasp!).
So, in conclusion, distractions are the enemy of productivity and well-being. But with some mindfulness meditation, regular breaks, some bad habit housekeeping and a few deep breaths, we can kick those distractions to the curb and live our best lives (or at least make it through the workday without pulling our hair out).
So, the next time a distraction tries to crash your party, show it the door. Trust me, your brain (and your bank account) will thank you for it.
Stay tuned for the next post in the series and if you haven’t done so already, please join my list for lots more insights, musings and much more. Just click below:
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