How to Avoid Distractions and Greener Grass

Are you a scatter brain? Do you easily get bored and have your mind racing towards the next big thing, the next shiny thing? What happens when the novelty of self improvement wears off? Distractions can cost you success. Elite athletes avoid distractions in the game and during the preparation period. If you are preparing yourself for success, now is a good time to tame distractions.

Governments world over spend millions warning people to avoid distractions when driving. Unfortunately that message does not seem to filter through to everyone. Yesterday on my way to work I saw this lady with her daughter in the car. She was busy applying makeup at the traffic lights. Then she picked up her phone and started calling. I couldn’t help but think that she was dialing “D” for the disaster waiting to happen. Or perhaps she was calling her daughter’s maker. Avoid distractions my friend.

What are distractions?

Distraction is the failure to pay attention. It can happen without warning but in most cases there are warning signs. Have you ever found yourself lacking interest in what you previously loved and adored? What happens when your partner is no longer attractive to you? Does the grass suddenly seem greener on the other side?

Distractions can be as a result of external stimuli. Your new neighbor might just be too loud and annoying, distracting your peace of mind. Or you may be distracted by the hot or cold weather. You might be distracted in church by the sound of the young man who had too much dinner.

You may also be distracted internally by thoughts, feelings, memories or fantasies. Do you find yourself fantasizing about something or someone else? Do your thoughts race back and forth when listening to a boring speech? Do you have bad memories or past experiences that prevent you from enjoying your present life? Are there a couple of your emotions that you have not quite mastered? How are they distracting you from your success and happiness?

The Effects of Distractions

Can you imagine working without distractions; both internal and external distractions? What would that do to your productivity? How would that affect other areas of your life such as relationships, careers, finances etc? What is the true cost of distractions in your life?

It takes time to get back to the flow state after distractions. I found that out when I was in college. It was more productive to set aside huge blocks of time for my assignments than short periods with breaks.  Taking breaks or distractions would mean about 15 minutes wasted before regaining sharp focus or peak state.

Distractions also lead to procrastination. It is easy to stop taking action after interruptions and tell yourself that you will get back to it later. Some times “later” never comes.

Is the grass greener on the other side?

Rolling stones gather no moss. If you want to attract and retain good things in life, keep your thoughts and focus on the leash. Constantly chasing shiny new objects and ideas only makes one feel empty. Don’t get me wrong, I am all for chasing success but am also for contentment and gratitude. Exercise self control and be wary of chasing the wind.

Now let us look at how distractions affect some areas of our lives.

1) Home and Family

Let’s say that you are a nice family man going about your business of providing for your family. Then a distraction comes to you. It may come to you in the form of your nagging wife. As a matter of fact the bible says that it is better to sleep on the roof of a house than share a bed with a nagging wife (or husband?). Keep on the straight and narrow regardless, for the sake of your family.

You may also be distracted from an optimal family life by work and financial issues. Learn to keep those distractions in their places. Address them one by one and avoid sabotaging your family.

2) Relationships

Some people will tell you that “same same daily” is boring. But what else is there to do in a relationship apart from seeing the same face daily, talk, laugh, eat, have sex and maybe 50 other things. Then repeat, change a few things, then repeat that for years on end. That may sound like a cynical view of relationships but it really isn’t. Even elite sports people  do the same things over and over and they love it. What else is there to do on a boxing ring or a hockey field? Where is the variety? True happiness in relationships is learning to love the monotony. Learn to love that face you wake up to, learn to love the peculiar habits of your partner.

Obsessing over forbidden fruits and greener grass takes the mojo out of relationships. Relationships have their ups and downs. There are potholes and bumps on the road ahead. The last thing you want is a slow puncture in the form of eye candy on the sly. The pain of betrayal is difficult to erase. Communicating honestly and regularly helps protect a relationship from distractions.

3) Health and Wellness

I feel like I have demonized the word distraction. Not all distractions are bad. In fact I quite love the 1% of good distraction. I reckon that that 1% is found in dental surgeries. Dentists distract their patients with bad music or stiff small talk before inflicting pain.

Let’s get back to the 99% of distractions. Diet plans are interrupted by eating out or holiday food. It is hard to watch calories when everyone around you is having a time of their life at the Christmas lunch table.

Having an exercise partner or coach can help avoid internal distractions. Focusing on your health goals can help you avoid distractions and lower barriers to exercise.

4) Business

If you are running a business you may be distracted by media reports about the state of the economy. You may be distracted by what your competition is doing or even bad customers. Keep focused on what value you provide to your market. Do not ignore what is happening around you but take charge; do not stay in reactive mode.

Success can also distract from total commitment to your customers or stakeholders. Keep your feet on the ground even when your business begins to take off.

Your business will only take off if you focus on your area of competence and deliver true value. Do not be an opportunity seeker chasing every business opportunity. Pick your angle and stick with it. Make your first million before diversifying to other opportunities.

5) Work and Careers

Are you bored with your current job? Do you find yourself looking for other career prospects even when you should be working? Give the devil his dues especially the when the devil is your boss. Give quality to your job.

Be wary of all forms of distractions that may lower your productivity on your job. Know what steals your time. Other employees may distract you or your time may be lost through endless web surfing. How much time do you spend on non work email? How much time do you spend on Facebook at work?

Summary

A little distraction can cost your success. Avoid distraction and flee from the temptation to try out every shiny object that comes your way. You can enhance your family life, career prospects, relationship and business by being more focused and by avoiding distractions.

What kind of distractions do you encounter in your day to day life? How do you deal with them? I would love to hear your comments.

_{»crosslinked«}

Did you enjoy this post? Why not leave a comment below and continue the conversation, or subscribe to my feed and get articles like this delivered automatically to your feed reader.