In this
issue:
Try this tip for managing distractions. You’ll improve your ability to focus and won’t have to worry about losing good ideas.
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Distracted
Easily? Try This.
Wired For Distraction
A news headline on your computer screen. Your own thoughts. The
buzz of your cell phone. In today’s world, we are bombarded
and if you are prone to distraction by nature, learning how to
manage this is critical. First though, acknowledge the
upside of how you are wired¹. When I suggested this
to Sharon, a sales professional and client, she was relieved.
Rather than feel badly for being susceptible to distractions,
she identified that her strength is that she is spontaneous and
flexible. Her opportunity now is to harness this so that
she can be more focused and productive.
One strategy
we selected for Sharon is to adopt a technique that many
meeting facilitators use to manage group discussions.
When someone in the group brings up an issue that is off-topic
or out of scope, they write it on a flip chart known as the parking
lot. In this way, valuable contributions aren’t lost, people
feel heard, and the meeting keeps on track. Likewise,
you can facilitate yourself with this same technique.
As distracting thoughts arise, jot them down on a separate piece
of paper. Look at the parking
lot later and decide if, when, and how to address those items.
When You Are The Distraction
My client, Daniel, noticed he seemed to be looking for
distractions. When you find yourself doing this too often, a more
productive response than berating yourself is to gently ask yourself
what’s going on in those moments. It may be an indication
to check that the task at hand aligns with your goals, to confirm
the “line of sight” and reaffirm your purpose. There
may also be an adjustment you can make to your work environment
or to your schedule that would make concentration easier to come
by.
Put
it in the Parking Lot
This Week: When distractions arise —self-made
or unsolicited— facilitate yourself.
- Use the parking
lot technique for yourself and when leading
groups.
- Identify enhancements to make to your work environment. Block
off some time in your schedule for something important to you
and honor it.
Harness your ability to focus and watch the results pay off.
Here's to you,
Notes:
¹When are distractions a good thing? For another take on
this issue, read: Get
Distracted. |
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Virginia
Kravitz, Career
and Life Coach, has always
had a fierce desire to be
in the full current of life.
She founded In
the Current™ to
help accomplished professionals
use their restlessness as
the door to something bigger
and to start living with
a greater sense of joy and
abandon. Ginny is a recognized
Life Blueprint™ coach
and authorized facilitator
of the Now
What™ career and
life direction program, as
well as an authorized trainer
of the OASIS
in the Overwhelm strategies.
Visit at: www.InTheCurrent.com
Current of Life
is an e-zine for accomplished
people who want passionate,
fulfilling lives. Published
every other Tuesday, each
issue provides you with an
inspirational gem: a practical
tip, an insight from a real
life story, or a call to
action. Read prior issues
here.
© 2009, Virginia M. Kravitz. All Rights
Reserved.
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it is without any alteration.
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