Distractions can be relaxing. Distractions can be harmful. How you deal with distractions determines if you can manage your time or watch it slip away on you. This week, keeping myself focused has been challenging, but I’ve been able to stay on task by working on three key things.
First, I divide my life into compartments to avoid distractions. My personal life stays in its own room and my work life lives in another. This week a close relative has been very ill and I’ve been tired from running errands on her behalf. The situation has been stressful for the family. I’m constantly worried about how she’s doing. However, when it’s time to work, I mentally go into my work room, close the door, and focus only on the task at hand.
Second, I deal with negative distractions by making a list of priorities and assigning an amount of time for each priority. What work tasks do I need to get done by today and which tasks can be done another day if an emergency arises? Sometimes I need to drop what I’m doing and deal with the family situation. Often this means letting go of original plans and revising my list of priorities and tasks to complete.
Third, I set aside time for self care. You could also say I give myself time to become lost in happy distractions. Most times I can keep different aspects of my life in different rooms, but sometimes my mind wanders while I work and I start to worry about my family and how we are all coping with the situation. Setting aside time to do something you enjoy, such as listening to music, watching a movie, or savouring your favourite dessert is a needed break.
What do you do when distractions pull you in multiple directions?
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to make sure you don’t miss the next post!
Comments