Six Techniques to Avoid Distractions

Let's face it, distractions are designed to take you away from the task at hand which generally means ... time waster!

Here are a few techniques to help you avoid becoming distracted:

• Ask yourself, "What is the real issue?" Whenever we give in to a distraction, we are avoiding completing the task we're working on. For example, I'm working on getting ready to teach a new seminar topic for one of my clients. When my sister calls and I decide to talk to her for an hour, I need to ask myself "why?" Is it because I don't like preparation time (propably). You have to get to the root cause.
• Ask yourself, "Does this distraction fit into the priorities I've set for myself today?" Sometimes a distraction is a good thing, but if it adds to the task you're working on.
• Do you like mini-diversions, you know, little breaks from what you're doing? Again, be real! My sister has a new love interest, and the truth is that I want to know what's going on, so I welcome her calls.
• Before giving in to a distraction ask yourself, "What do I stand to lose if I give in to this distraction?"
• Remember, just because it seems urgent doesn't mean that it really is urgent! Don't get sucked in to someone else's priority.
• Be flexible, and change your priorities if you feel that this distraction warrants a higher priority than what you may be doing.

So, if you want to live and work in a stress-free environment, take control of your distractions and don't let distractions take control of you!

Until next blog,

Dr. Angela

"Life with no purpose is no life at all!"