Squirrel!

In a fast moving world, we are constantly distracted. Whether it be our phones, our computers, TVs, or a personal battle - we're distracted all the time. While it's easy to say "that's just how it goes" or "it's just how life is" - there's no need for it. Allowing distractions to creep into your productivity and deter you from what you ultimately want to achieve is a surefire way to stop all progress. 

How do you deal with distractions? How does it affect your day to day? 

For me, personally, I am more distracted now than I was when I was in college. There is so much going on in the world, and while I try really hard to focus on one task at a time, I get distracted and find myself mindlessly scrolling the internet. I can't shut my brain down to just relax and enjoy life's simple pleasures like reading or just being still. I am constantly wondering what my friends are doing, what the latest giveaways are on Instagram, what people are posting on social media. I use distractions as an excuse to not be productive, and sometimes end up more overwhelmed than I already was. When I get home from work, I look for distractions like Netflix or snacking to put off actually relaxing and reading a book. 

I am finding that since starting the 5 Minute Journal last month, I am more in tune with what I want from my day. The next step in the execution of living my best life is to put into action the things I want from my day - and do them without distraction! 

My brief 2 week social media hiatus helped with my distracted mindset, but I'm not cured. I would give ANYTHING to go home and read a book instead of watch TV or scroll social media or play a game on my phone. It's to the point where I am going to attempt to just do it, and see how far I get. It's not about seclusion or avoidance - it's about getting things done that I need to get done. 

A lot of people are distracted in today's day and age. I was at a concert last week and the majority of the crowd around me was on their phones. Yes, there was a Red Sox game happening during the show, and yes we are loyal AF when it comes to our Red Sox. I was guilty of checking the score every once in a while myself, but I was at the show to see the talent, not pay for a ticket to scroll my phone the entire show. No one has a conversation with a stranger anymore, and if they do, it's considered weird. When I flew to North Carolina last month, there was an older woman in the seat next to me who wanted to chat. Instead of getting frustrated, I listened to her tell me her story. I listened without checking my phone (SO RUDE IT'S NOT EVEN FUNNY - DON'T DO THAT EVER), without letting my mind wander. I just sat there and listened to her tell me that she was flying to Raleigh, and two days later one of her friends was picking her up and driving to Florida for the season. She does come back to MA at Christmas to spend it with her daughter. 

The point I am trying to make here is this: embrace the people around you. Observe what's going on. Stop spending so much time looking at your phone! 

When it comes to distractions at work, you need to learn to prioritize. There's nothing saying you can't take a few minutes to scroll or check in with friends. But be focused on the task at hand. That's what's most important.