The Epidemic of Distraction

Epidemic: Affecting or tending to affect a disproportionately large number of individuals within a population, community, or region at the same time.

Free Will: Freedom of humans to make choices that are not determined by prior causes or by divine intervention

Distraction: A thing that prevents someone from giving full attention to something else. Extreme agitation of the mind or emotions.

Free will is the power to act without constraint. The opposite of free will is “un-free” will, being devoid of liberty to do what one wishes (choice). Found in between free will and will that is bereft of human liberty lies distraction. Distraction is the nemesis of free will.

Distraction. An epidemic. All are susceptible. As one seems to be moving forward, distraction comes along and changes the course. Distractions are calculating, cunning, and oftentimes gratifying, to the point that many laugh them off as nothing more than a nuisance.

But they are so much more than a mere nuisance. Distractions are the ultimate arbitrator of one’s life. Distraction is the thief of one’s will and has been so since the beginning of recorded time. Technology is often the scapegoat of distractedness for our times, although distraction is nothing new. The story of the apple and the tree of knowledge, distraction, or deception? In their writings and teachings, Socrates and Aristotle contemplated why humans tend to act against their own better judgment when they are in a state of akrasia (distractedness).

What is life but will? Without it, there is nothing. Unconsciously surrendering to distraction is akin to handing your life to the distractor. Distractors are motivated by agenda, good or bad, and they achieve submission through distraction.

Here are five simple steps (plus a bonus) for releasing your will from the prison of distractions:

1.????Reduce Chaos – Clarity is kindness and chaos is a distraction. Limit your exposure when it comes to people or places that flourish under chaotic conditions.

2.????Stay Mission Focused – Clearly define missions throughout each day and eliminate tasks or detours that take you off mission.

3.????Monitor and Modify Cravings – Distractions also come in the form of impulses. Remain aware and prepared so that an impulse doesn’t lead to a diversion.

4.????Regulate Behavior – Pavlov’s dogs salivated at the sound of a bell. Notice external conditions that manipulate your behavior and take back control.

5.????Radical Reflection – Distractions effectively rob people of free will because of unawareness. It takes consistent and thoughtful contemplation to notice distractions and this is only possible if one is radically mindful of their will, their thoughts, and their actions, and who controls them.?

Post Script: Since you have offered me the privilege of reading this piece, there is one bonus step for re-claiming your will from distraction...

6. Extract Maximum Value - When your will is occasionally diverted by a well-written, thought-provoking, carefully contemplated article, extract as much value as possible. One tiny word, one thought, can change the paradigm of life.

"Evil comes from the abuse of free will." - C.S. Lewis