Allowing distractions to take over causes FOMO (fear of missing out). It can be exhausting trying to keep up with the latest news or the juiciest gossip.
Everywhere you look, it seems as if everyone else is rejoicing in their success, continuously having drama or doing something out of the norm. Whether people are boasting about their business, indulging in uncommon relationships or going against the system, it feels as though you’re missing out on what’s going on around you.
Are these people showing off on purpose or are you just voluntarily giving away your attention to them? Whose world is more important, yours or theirs?
Are You Really Focused?
Nothing is a distraction, until you give it your attention. There could be a man swallowing a sword in front of you (which can be very entertaining), but if you focus on what you’re doing, he’s not a distraction if he doesn’t have your attention.
People can do distracting things and be over the top with their actions, but it doesn’t become a ‘thing’ until you choose to shift your concentration.
It’s like when you’re doing productive research on the internet and you come across clickbait advertisement that says, “How To Lose 20 Pounds in 20 Minutes!” It sounds too good to be true, but you just want to see what it is and if it could possibly work.
Once you lose control and your thoughts start going down that rabbit hole, it becomes a distraction. You could’ve easily scrolled past it, but it convinced you to stop and take a look.
And just like that, your attention is gone.
Strengthen Your Attention
It doesn’t have to happen this way. Using the same example, you already know the ad was created to steal your attention. It was designed to stop you in your tracks, just so you would click on it.
If you know that this is the pattern, expect it, but move on. Know that you’re not missing anything and it’s best to keep using your time productively. Clicking on any ad is bound to be a waste of time.
It’s not just the internet – it’s the same with people. Some people thrive on attention, so they do outrageous things to make you look. Even if it’s a pity party, they want your participation.
When you allow your flow to be disrupted, not only are you giving your attention away, but you’re interrupting what’s in front of you. Permitting someone or something else to steal your train of thought puts you behind in what you were doing.
If you have to turn off your phone or close the curtains at your desk, be present in what you’re doing. Don’t make it so easy for your attention to be thwarted.
Ignoring Distractions Is Self-Care
Again, these are things that you give your attention to, so it’s your responsibility to handle it accordingly. You do not have to shift your focus if it doesn’t concern you. Keep doing what you’re doing to improve your situation – put yourself first!
The world has become one, big distraction contest. Whether it’s the news, social media or walking into a store, someone (or something) is battling for your focus.
What about your life? Become your own distraction. Be mindful and give your undivided attention to what’s in front of you until it’s complete. You deserve to see the results of your determination and discipline, but it will only happen if you’re willing to avoid those distractions.