Avoiding Self-Distraction – 1

Posted on January 16th, 2010, by Meggin McIntosh, Ph.D.

Oh, boy. Sometimes we are just our own worst enemies. You have so many projects to complete, and yet things that are seriously low on the priority list get done first. Here are a few ways to avoid distracting yourself.

1. Map out your day as “work” and “other” times. When you’re supposed to be working, you should be working. Imagine yourself as your boss – would s/he want to pay you to rearrange the pencils in your top drawer?

2. Plan a few breaks during your day. No one can efficiently sit at a desk for hours on end. Your back, as well as your work, will suffer.

3. Proactively avoid receiving (and making) personal calls during your work time. These often take longer than you imagine.

4. Avoid having too many personal items on/near your desk. The minute you look at that picture of your kitty and think about when she was just a kitten or notice the plants you have that, ‘gosh, just need a little water,’ well, you get the idea.

5. Have a “random thoughts” pad that is in a prominent place on your desk. As soon as a random thought occurs, (what to pick up for dinner, when to call the dentist for an appointment, etc.) write it down. Then ignore the sheet until the end of the day. Take this sheet home with you and deal with it so these thoughts won’t continue to bug you.

So, as always, just pick one of these keys to keeping chaos at bay that sounds a little bit like you. Then another week, see about trying out a different one.

For weekly tips (that aren’t distracting) to help stay focused and on track, you’re welcome to access Keeping Chaos at Bay (free)!