The Return of Daisy Distraction. Quick Tips for Getting Back on Track.
It doesn’t take long for my old friend Daisy Distraction to return to block my forward progress and keep me from my ultimate productivity.
Boy, does she have a way of cropping up just when I least expect her!
So, how do I keep her away? Or better yet, how do I send her off to “play” somewhere else so I can get back on track?
First things first…I have to recognize I’m being distracted before I can do anything differently. So awareness is key.
And the tell tale signs are really obvious.
1. I sit down at my desk and immediately check my emails, and then 2 hours later I find I’ve explored a dozen new thoughts/ideas. Or, I’ve taken 1 hour to just clean up my InBox when I didn’t intend to today.
2. Social media just sucked up another 2 hours with random old friend searches, event invites, and twitter list exploring.
3. I skipped lunch, seemingly too busy to get up from my desk, and I’ve got a serious coffee buzz.
4. I am dragging up “to-do’s” that came off my priority list days/weeks ago and just fumbling around.
5. I get to the end of the day, having spent far too many hours at the computer, I can’t remember what I intended to accomplish today, and I just feel “foggy”.
Now what? I’ve just lost a day, sometimes more…and in addition to being behind on my projects, I’m frustrated with myself, too!
So, I give thanks for the awareness that makes it possible for me to see this pattern for what it is, and I commit to getting some rest, and making the next day full of focus and effortless efficiency.
It all begins with setting the intention.
I rise committed to fending off the nudges from “Daisy” by using the tools I have come to know so well.
1. I begin my day stretching, affirmative reading and 15 minutes (minimum) or 3-5 pages of journaling. I eat a healthy breakfast. Journaling helps me find clarity around my intentions, my visions, my dreams. Through journaling I identify and prioritize inspired actions.
2. I take an extra minute to straighten up my work area, to eliminate anything that might draw my attention away from my priority tasks. Depending on the task, I may setup soothing music to work by.
3. I ask myself two questions: what is the most important thing I can do today to create the life of my dreams? and what is the most important thing I can do today to grow my business?
Then I write the answers down on my NothingElse.pad (if I get nothing else done to day, I must…from www.getbuttonedup.com). Then I begin to take action on those items immediately, keeping in mind my 30 day plan.
3. I continue to make progress on those items identified as the most important for today BEFORE I open my email for the day.
4. I commit to allocating a specific amount of time for social media, once in the morning and once in the afternoon.
5. I take an appropriate break for morning snack and lunch.
6. I check in with myself, honestly, at midday and make adjustments as needed. If and when I catch myself running off to “play” with Daisy, I immediately stop, get up, and walk away from my office. If I can, I step outside, to get some fresh air to help me re-focus. Take a short wisdom walk. Moving always helps– dancing, wiggling, walking, running.
Once I have settled back into a productive pattern I make a point to try to check in with myself. To stay on track, this is the most important piece.
I’ve come to know that Daisy Distraction only comes to see me when I want to play. And typically, I choose to play with her when I’m having trouble finding the courage to face my fears about something.
There is wisdom hiding there behind all that distraction, if I allow myself to see it. Getting clear about what those fears are and working through them, not around them, is the ultimate goal.
Acknowledging Daisy makes me laugh, and helps me to accept my human nature. Sending her on her way makes me feel brave.
How do you fight the tendency toward distraction? What are your favorite re-focusing tips?
I can’t wait to hear them– I need all the help I can get!
