Series: Getting Back On Track For Your Life of Purpose — 5 Simple Ways to Avoid Daily Distractions
No matter how focused you are, some days, it’s hard not to get distracted. Life can sometimes get in the way of meeting your goals, but it doesn’t have to derail you. Here are some expert tips on how to stay on track, no matter what else is happening around you.
1. Get Organized
It’s easier to focus if you’re not distracted by the small, daily tasks. Commit to a nightly practice of preparing for the next day and deciding what to wear, what to have for lunch, and the other necessary things that are part of your routine. Have your bag ready and packed so you can just pick it up and go to wherever you need to go first.
It can help to get organized for your week on a Sunday evening. For example, have all your work clothes clean and pressed and ready to wear. You might even consider a minimalist work wardrobe of similar garments to mix and match. You can also bulk cook and freeze meals so that you don’t even think about suppers during the week.
2. Do the Tough Things First
You can free up a lot of mental energy by putting the difficult tasks and decisions at the top of your to-do list. Do the hardest tasks when your brain is still fresh first thing in the morning, then you can get on with your day without the nagging dread at the back of your mind.
3. Keep Your Energy High
You might be surprised to hear that fatigue can be a distraction. If your energy is low, you won’t be performing at your best, so make sure you take regular breaks. Get out of your office and get some fresh air. Eat your lunch outside and give your eyes a break from looking at a screen. Eat lots of fresh foods and stay hydrated by keeping a water pitcher nearby.
4. Manage Your Priorities
Chances are, many of the requests you get during the day don’t deserve to be your top priority and can distract you from your core goals. Instead of responding straight away, decide on how urgent the request is in the bigger scheme of things. Do you really need to answer that email now? Learn to prioritise requests and respond accordingly.
5. Keep Your Eye on the Prize
There are so many distractions in modern life that it can be easy to lose sight of what you want to achieve. Whether it’s a dream board, a mission statement, or a post-it note on your computer, have a visual reminder of what you’re working toward. Check-in every day to see how you’re tracking and make sure you keep a line of sight on your big goal.
This article is part of my June series on Regaining Focus… so watch this space for more ideas and support.
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