How to eliminate distractions and find focus

ONE IDEA FOR YOU TO THINK ABOUT

I've been studying productivity for the past month.

Like, really studying.

The #1 thing I learned:

If you want to procrastinate less (and increase your focus), you need to become aware of your avoidant behavior.

In other words, find the things that are distracting you from doing the more important tasks. 

Distractions look like:

↳ Scrolling on your phone

↳ Doing busywork instead of deep work

↳ Overthinking/not starting a task

Here are 3 questions to help you understand (and eliminate) your distractions.

THREE QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF

1. What am I avoiding?

Work example: putting together a report for a project you are working on

Life example: scheduling a doctor's appointment because I am afraid of results

2. What is my avoidant behavior?

Work example: overthinking/ letting the fear of failure stop me from taking action

Life example: telling myself I am "too" busy/ scrolling on social media instead of calling the doctor 

3. How can I eliminate the distraction/avoidant behavior?

Work example: lay out what I know about the project/ work on limiting beliefs

Life example: Tell myself I will not scroll on social media until I call the doctor's office

ONE EXERCISE FOR YOU TO TRY THIS WEEK

Take a quick mental audit of your life.

Where do you feel least productive or struggle with time management? (It could be a specific area of work or life.)

The more specific, the better.

After asking yourself these three questions, commit to taking ONE small action toward your goal.

For example:

Work: Create the bare bones of a project plan and list questions for your manager.

Life: Block off 15 minutes on your calendar this week to call the doctor’s office.

Extra credit if you keep taking small actions to reach your final goal.

Distractions are blocking your focus and productivity.

You deserve to win your time back.