When I was writing this article I found myself distracted. Distracted by my email, the phone ringing, people IMing me, some thought I had to write down so I didn’t forget, and of course my mind wandering in a dozen different directions. I admit I am easily distracted so maybe this doesn’t apply to you.
Can Distractions Be Avoided?
I don’t think so. Even if you aren’t easily distracted by a wandering mind, in our business lives distractions are common place. Someone stops by your office or your boss calls or there’s a problem you are called to handle…tons of people and issues can interrupt us and divert us from our mission at hand.
Hmmm…, so what happens when we get distracted? We lose time or projects (or articles like this) take longer to complete. When our focus is lost sometimes we can’t get back to where we were easily, or at all. I find when I’m writing that if I get interrupted sometimes I lose the thread of the idea I had altogether and can’t recapture it.
Can We Do Anything About Distractions?
So if they are part of our lives is there anything we can do about them? Is there any way we can minimize the potential negative impact or even minimize how often they happen? A resounding YES!
Most of us accept interruptions and allow ourselves to get distracted. Our ‘open door policy’ others take literally; come any time you want. We answer check email frequently, like anything has really happened in the last 10 minutes we just have to know about. We may not create the problem but we sure don’t do much to deal with it. In fact I’m betting some of us don’t even realize how often we are interrupted and distracted.
Distraction Busting Ideas
1. Set boundaries. Close your door and let others know if it’s closed not to interrupt. Have them put a note under the door to let you know they want to see you. Or set a couple of times a day that people can come see you for questions etc. Maybe first thing in the morning, mid day and late afternoon for 30 minutes each, as examples. Then they have access to you but can’t come with every passing thought or question.
2. Turn off email and don’t answer the phone. If you have to focus turn off email and don’t answer the phone. Caller ID will tell you if it’s urgent and most of us have cell phones if there is an emergency. Many of us are so tethered to our Smartphones that the idea of putting it aside for even an hour causes anxiety. But I promise you the constant distraction interferes with your performance.
3. Leave your office if necessary. Your office may not be most conducive to preventing distractions. Find someplace else where you can work uninterrupted. Coffee shops aren’t good for me as I find myself distracted by people watching. But there are all sorts of options besides your office that may be options.
If your distractions are external, caused more by other people then try my distraction busting ideas. Many of my clients have found them helpful.
If on the other hand you’re like me with a mind that is constantly going, distractions are more often internal than external. I’ve tried dozen of ideas to quiet my mind and nothing seems to work effectively, at least for more than a few minutes, and I’m open to ideas. If you have a busy mind and have found ways to quiet it please share with me. I’d love to hear what you have found works.
© 2014 Incedo Group, LLC
