The Art of Cutting Distractions

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The Article ??

Distractions are everywhere. If you feel like you're being pulled into your email inbox, social media feeds, or endless meetings, this article is for you. This article will show you how and why you need to block out the noise and find time for yourself.

You should be in control of your time and your energy, not leaving it to the winds of the day. I'll show you exactly how to implement distraction-free time into your day, week, or month. 

Unfortunately, most people don't take steps to create distraction-free time.

They prioritize other's time over their own

Some examples I see:

• Having too many tabs open
• Scrolling endlessly through social media
• Being involved in several instant messaging conversations
• Feeling the urge to respond to every email, immediately

If you've found yourself feeling like time is slipping away and you have none for yourself.

Let's get into how you can take back control of your time.

Step 1: Admit You Have a Time/Distraction Problem

Like the first step of any recovery program, you have to admit you have a problem.

Now, you may not think distractions and interruptions are that big of an issue. I beg to differ; constantly putting our time into the control of others is leading us to misuse our most precious resource: time.

Acknowledging you've been letting the world take control is the first step. Designing your life with intention is next. 

To be a great partner, friend, parent, or colleague, they have to be done intentionally.

Step 2: Schedule Distraction Free Time

Most people go wrong with time-blocking because they break the promises they make to themselves. We say we'll block an hour each day to write but bring our phones into the office when the time comes. That leads to checking the latest ESPN story or getting sucked into a stream of TikTok videos––this is not the way forward.

In my experience, I've found I break that promise to myself when there is no goal or bigger objective tied to the time-blocking. I can say, "I'm going to write for an hour a day," but that alone doesn't have much punch. Instead, I've learned to reframe my thinking around this time to "I want to help people become the best versions of themselves, myself included, and dedicating an hour to exploring these ideas on personal development in my writing will fuel that mission."

The first sentence is focused on the 'what' while the second is focused on the 'why.' If you tie your 'why' to your time-blocking, you'll have a better chance of sticking to it.

Step 3: Let Go of the Guilt You Feel Spending Time Thinking

Once you've blocked out time, defined your why, and sat in the chair, something weird might happen. You might feel anxious and guilty for taking distraction-free time to yourself instead of tackling other 'priorities'. 

That is perfectly normal.

And I'm here to tell you this feeling will go away (or drastically reduce) with practice. Once you become okay stepping away from the distractions hurled at us daily, you'll have the time to think about the bigger picture for your personal and professional life.

By taking these three steps, you'll be well on your way to living with more intention, blocking out distractions, and putting yourself first. 

Cheers,

Jordan