Avoiding Self-Distraction – 2
Goodness, gracious. 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. At the end of the work day, close it out, i.e., put items (files, sticky notes, pens, notebooks, etc.) away. The next day can start more productively if you arrive to an orderly environment rather than a cluttered one.
2. Maintain a work space that is designed for work. Have the items that you use frequently nearby. If you go through stationery at a rapid pace and the stationery is stored somewhere other than in your work space, then you have to *go* somewhere to get more. On the way, you can easily self- (and other-) distract. Some people do this on purpose. Don’t be one of them.
3. Continuing with this idea, consider if you have deliberately set up your desk so that it “looks out” toward the foot traffic. Most people are unable to ignore movement (especially if we are avoiding doing our most important work). If you face the door into the hallway, a window by a sidewalk, or any other opening that lets you pick up physical movement, then do what you can to change the physical set up or to otherwise block your view.
4. If you have audible anything in your work space, take a careful look (and listen) to whether it encourages you to self-distract. A few examples might be: a chime that announces that email has arrived, a CD player that has to be changed after each CD (vs. one that you can load up once and will play all day), a radio tuned to talk radio (any verbal sound will pull the verbal part of your brain away from its other thinking).
5. Never, never, never play a computer game at your work. Disable or remove them if you can. Well…if you can just play ONE game that last a few minutes…then maybe it’s OK…but you know what I mean 
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)!
Tags: distractions, self-distractions
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