7 Keys To Getting Rid Of Distraction So You Can Accomplish Great Things
I think when things linger, that’s when they become a distraction. I don’t want any distractions.
Derek Jeter
We all have hopes and dreams. We all want to accomplish great things in our lifetime. We all have important things to attend to on a daily basis.
And we all get distracted.
Distractions sidetrack us from achieving our hopes and dreams. Distractions derail us from the things in life that really need our attention.
The world is full of distraction, and I am guilty of falling into the traps of distraction. This is not my intention, but it is the predicament I find myself in more often than I care to admit.
What can I do to get rid of distractions in my life?
It’s time we make a change. It’s time we deal with the distractions that derail us from doing great things. Here are some ideas to get you started:
7 Keys To Getting Rid Of Distraction So You Can Accomplish Great Things
- Step away from the phone. Let’s be honest. The latest smartphones are pretty amazing. They send and receive e-mails. They send and receive text messages. They give you access to the internet. They let keep you busy with stupid games (I just have to get to the next level of this game!). And oh yes, they even take phone calls. They are great, but smartphones are a major distraction. In order to get a handle on this, we must learn to put boundaries on our phone time. Maybe this simply starts by having a “No Phone At The Table” rule during mealtimes. But maybe you need more phone related boundaries, so you can concentrate on what needs to be accomplished next.
- Turn off the television. It’s easy to get sucked into the next show or series. And perhaps a little TV isn’t a bad thing. But what happens when you HAVE to get home on time to watch this show, or you put off something with great importance because you are glued to the television? I don’t know the statistics, but I know the average American watches way too much television. Imagine if what we could accomplish if we used those hours more productively.
- Make a to-do list. I’m a huge list guy. Lists help me keep track of what I need to accomplish, and it also shows me what I’ve completed so far. When we have so many things to accomplish, we sometimes don’t know where to start. We suffer from a type of paralysis, because we can’t clearing define what needs to be done. Taking time to write down the things you need to do is a great way to clarify what really needs your attention.
- Learn to prioritize. You’ve made your to-do list. Now you need to prioritize. What things need your attention first? What is urgent and important? This is probably where you should start. What is important but not urgent? This should probably be next. What is urgent but not important? Maybe this shouldn’t even be on your list. What is not important and not urgent? This would definitely be something to consider removing from you list. Dealing effectively with distractions improves dramatically when you learn to prioritize.
- Focus on one thing at a time. Sometimes we have to multitask. I get it. Moms are especially good at multitasking. The reality though is we aren’t as effective when we are focusing on more than one thing at a time. Taking time to focus on one thing produces a better product, and it helps to alleviate the distractions that come from focusing on too many things at the same time.
- Ask for help. Get someone to hold you accountable to staying focused. The power of accountability is underrated. If you are easily distracted, tell someone about it. Tell them what you are trying to accomplish. Ask them to hold your feet to the fire as you work towards this goal.
- Pray. Prayer is often overlooked as a solution to anything. I believe there is tremendous power in prayer. If you are struggling with distractions in your life, start by praying about it. God cares for you, and I’m confident He can help you deal with your distractions. In the book of Matthew, Jesus tells His followers to ask and they would receive: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8