A few days ago we explored the 1st of the 3D’s of Defeat — Delay.

Now we get to explore a second one — Distraction.

What does Distraction look like?

Think about it this way, ever start into a project and then suddenly start thinking about all the other things you could be doing instead.

Things such as doing the dishes, wash the car, or go to the Post Office.

In other words, anything other than the project you are working on.

The thinking goes something like,

“I would have a clearer mind and would be better able to work on my project once that other errand is done.”

It is nothing but a simple distraction.

Ever notice that it is the simple distractions that you give in to that end up keeping you from your goal?

They are not big things in and of themselves.

But when it comes time to work on your goal, any distraction can suddenly become so attractive.

And that is all it takes.

The project you were working on, your goal, is lost to the appeal of the distraction.

How do you deal with distractions?

One way is to shut off or close out the distraction.

That works well with external things such as:

• stop surfing the web,
• shut off social media,
• no texting,
• turn off the ringer on the telephone
• and close the office door.

But what about internal distractions?

You know the ones, they could best be described as monkeys in our mind.

The internal voices that keep chattering away.

As soon as you get working on your project, one distraction after another will come knocking on the door of your mind calling for your attention.

What you may want to do at that point is treat the distraction just like a little child.

When you are working on a project and your child comes to you wanting attention, you are not rude to the child.

You gently but firmly make a new arrangement with your child.

It could be something like,

“honey, let me work on this for another 30 – 60 minutes and then I will be able to play with you”

That is how you need to deal with these internal distractions when they come up.

The distraction is important in its own right.

Acknowledge it and give it the love that you would give to a child.

Keep it in its place and then honor the committment that you made to that distraction.

If you can do that, you will find distractions will become less of an issue.

Please share how you Deal with Distractions in the comments below!

all the best,
Derrall