Becoming Indistractable
I’ve realized that, no matter the topic, when I am learning, I am growing. And, as I teach and share my learnings, I learn more and grow more. I’ve created an amazing circular effect that keeps me aligned with my goal of eternal growth in my life.
Learning > Growing > Teaching > Learning > Growing
As part of my desire to learn and absorb the knowledge of others, I’ve recently been expanding my roster of podcasts, and I discovered an interview with Nir Eyal on his book Indistractable. Since listening to that interview, I realize I’ve been operating with a heightened sense of awareness with regard to my distraction behaviors and seeing what they are distracting me from.
I’ve Been Digging Into The Root Cause Of My Distractions.
Is it pain, discomfort, boredom, something else…? As I dig, I’ve realized that I’m actually exploring the emotions behind my behaviors, and connecting those behaviors to motivations. This deep dive into myself begins within as I spot the distraction behavior and look within to explore the “why.”
Distractions Are All Around Us.
Cell phones are ringing, computers are binging, text messages are beeping, slacks are dinging, and people are coming to us with “got a minute?” requests. All of these things are attempting to divert our attention.
Being Indistractable Means Striving To Do What You Say You Will Do When You Say You Will Do It.
Being indistractable means not falling for the distractions that are attempting to steal your attention.
Traction Is The Opposite Of Distraction.
Distractions move us away from what we really want while traction moves us toward what we want. In either case, we are taking action to go somewhere.
Everyone Gets Distracted.
We each face distractions every single day, and we all get distracted from time to time. It’s on us to spot the distractions and the moments when we become distracted. It’s on us to take action, with the first step being awareness.
The Next Time You Become Aware That You Are Distracted, Ask Yourself:
- What am I being distracted from?
- How do I feel?
- What is driving my desire to escape this feeling? (It could be boredom, discomfort, pain, etc.)
- What am I avoiding when I don’t do the things I really want to do?
- What am I losing out on when I don’t do the things I really want to do?
Indistraction Is A Skill.
Being indistractable is a developed skill that will allow each of us to be even more present where we are and with who we are with. Being indistractable requires us to become acutely aware of when we become distracted and what we are being distracted from.
Indistraction Is A Gift.
Being indistractable is a gift in many ways. In addition to increasing our efficiency and effectiveness, being indistractable allows us to connect more, grow more and create more across all parts of our lives.
Awareness Is An Opportunity To Create And Do Better.
To be the change we want to be, first we must see the change we want. Awareness is invaluable in its power to spark change and growth.
The opposite of indistraction is distraction
The opposite of distraction is traction
With traction, you take action
The path to indistraction is in breaking down the words
Move away from distraction
By taking action
To create traction
To become indistractable
Each Day Is Our Opportunity To Get A Little Bit Better.
A simple first step to take action, without depending on your level of motivation, is to use your calendar. Plan what you are going to do and when you are going to do it. An indistractable person knows why they get distracted and takes steps today to avoid getting distracted by the same things tomorrow.