• STAY FOCUSED Be aware of the distractions which may steer you off-course. Have a plan to distract your distractions and work it every day. Eliminate things from your life to create more space for your intentions to manifest, for example, consider giving up some television programs. Hours spent watching television could be spent on creating what you want.
Many years ago I “unplugged” the television when I realized it was not my “life support system.” I found it to be more of a drain on my energy, time, and even my relationships. It still has a purpose – for movie rentals and an occasional must see show like, “So You Think You Can Dance.” With many hours freed up I now have time to connect with my husband; to read my subscription magazines along with an occasional book; and most of all, I can do whatever I choose in my newly found “spare time.”
Giving up my attraction to this utter distraction brought me immense satisfaction! I am still making peace with my other “attraction” to checking e-mails and on occasion spending too much time on social media sites. I am curious if a 12 step program for technology addicts exists. As an entrepreneur, I find working alone can breed loneliness. With no one to chat with over a coffee break or to brainstorm a sudden idea flash with, I turn to e-mail and social media sites. I sometimes respond right away to anyone in my in-box and reach out to connect with many business and personal friends. I recently took two weeks to track how I utilize my time and now better understand what the culprit is. Technology! Well, the finger still points back at me since I pound every key.
After reading the book, “The 4-Hour Workweek” by Timothy Ferriss, I incorporated his suggestion to check business e-mails only three times per day although I have selected alternate times. He suggests 8:00 am, 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm, and I have found 10:00 am, 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm to be more effective. Jan Zaragoza, a Trainer in Time Management, suggested these alternate times. I have set a boundary of 30 minutes per day with social media and am limiting my personal e-mail checking to once each evening. I now feel more on purpose and a lot more productive. As for the loneliness–I pick up the phone and call a friend. It actually saves me a lot more time in the end.
What is in your attraction to distraction? What are you willing to give up? What’s possible with more room for your life?
**This is an excerpt from my upcoming book, Awakening the Wise Woman Within, Igniting Your Passion, Purpose, and Playfulness. For more information on me and my services, please visit my site: http://www.SuzanTusson.com. Let me know if I can help you in any way!
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