Distractions are a pathway to procrastination!

Distractions! Distractions, GO AWAY!

What's so funny about this episode were the distractions taking place while I was in the middle of the show! So funny!

Distractions can be a pathway to procrastination!

 

According to the Merriam-Webster definition of distraction is something or an object that directs one's attention away from something else. 

I like to say it's a diversion, that's gets your attention.  Something that turns your attention aside from what you're doing or should be doing.

 

I was walking from my bedroom to the kitchen to get a bottle of water.  Now, that's a direct path when I don't stop for anything.  Inevitably, I will see something in my path that diverts my attention, or someone will call out to me to ask for something.  I stop to folder the blanket on the couch, look through the freezer for something to cook for dinner and now a snack. I start walking back to my bedroom without the bottled water that I was going to get initially. I had one task and didn't do that although, I completed the dinner task, I needed to do but forgot to do it earlier.

 

The Latin meaning for Distraction is dis "apart" and trahere "drag".  Distraction is being dragged away from a task or worries.  See how that happen on my walk to the kitchen for a bottle of water.

 

3 main distraction types are visual (what you look), manual (physical), cognitive (mind).

Visual - phone notifications, phone call, looking at others (biggest), GPS, billboard.

Manual - kid or hubby question interruptions, phone/tv adjustments, eating/drinking.

Cognitive - being asked a question, mental attention, radio, conversations, mind chatter.

 

Types of distractions

Multi-tasking Fix - create a to do list with priorities. Big tasks break down smaller.

Clutter Clean up office/workspace.

Cellphone Use handsfree GPS, put on do not disturb while driving.

Attending unnecessary meeting

Social media (scroll hole)

 

Distractions are task aversiveness (tasks that are assumed boring/unpleasant.  

 

Anxiety/Fear of being criticized.

 

Feeling overwhelmed by many things unclear and where to start.

 

Actionable items with accountability are part of the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) needed to get on the right track away from distractions, one acknowledged task at a time.

 

Use time blocks on your calendar (including stretch time).

Get organized and clean up the clutter around your work and thinking space.

Reduce the number of meetings you attend. Attend only those that pertain to you and need your input.

Set response expectations on emails.  Give email reply's an expectation of your response.  Everything is not a fire, and you don't have to respond ASAP.

 

Procrastination starts with the distraction mentioned above and others that are included in the visual, manual, and cognitive arena.

 

Be aware and mindful....be like a dog on a bone...don't quit until you finish or hid the bone for another time.

 

Are you ready to make a bold move? Sign up with Camellia for her mini coaching session and when action is taken, it will change your life!  Book online with Camellia  

Book Camellia for mentoring and/or inspirational coaching or speaking engagements on www. camelliavarnado.com; IG@thatscamellia  or https://twitter.com/thats_camellia

 

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