In todays technological age it takes focus and commitment to make it even an hour without facing a relentless attack of distractions.
Things like phone calls, emails, instant messages, text messages, and voicemail are just a few of these interruptions in your productivity.
So what are some options?
You could choose to take every single incoming call as they come in, answer every email as it arrives, instant message each person who says ‘Hi!’ to you, instantly reply to every text message you receive on your cell phone, and retrieve each voice mail as it arrives…And be in a constant reactive mode all day long which would leave you very little if any time for real productivity and creativity.
Or would you rather choose to take proactive steps in handling all of these distractions and therefore reap the rewards of being as productive and creative you can be without disturbances?
Sadly this is not a rhetorical question. Why? Because millions of people choose to believe that they have no choice in this matter.
Meaning:
No matter how important of a situation or conversation they may be in the middle of, they choose to take any and every incoming call or text message that comes through their cell phone…even if it does interrupt the important moment.
They choose to feel that they do not have any other options or choice in this matter. Obviously that is simply a belief they have at the present time. A belief I venture to say is costing them not only in terms of productivity and creativity but also in simple peace of mind.
Enough about the problem. What are some solutions?
First and foremost, I feel you must understand from deep within yourself that you are not obligated or under some strict code that you MUST answer any incoming disturbance whether it be a phone call, a text message, an email, an instant message, or anything.
Furthermore you are not even obligated to even turn on such distractions during times you want to be creative, productive, or just have a simple peace of mind break. That includes turning off said distractions during important times.
*****Sidenote:The term ‘important’ is similar to ‘success’ and is different to each and every one of us. I feel if you are serious about reclaiming your creativity, productivity and peace of mind, it would be wise to consciously choose and write down moments that you would identify as ‘important’ to you.
Would that include: time with your spouse or children, meeting with a valued client, friend, or employee?
Think about this…How important does anyone of those people feel if and when you interrupt their precious time with them by answering a phone call (in some cases from someone you have no idea who they are before you answer).
End of Sidenote! *****
So when you choose to be in a productive or creative mood while on your computer that would entail not even turning on any of the online distractions like: checking your email, opening your instant message and skype clients (or at least making yourself appear invisible if you can’t resist turning it on), while leaving your cell phone off, and even muting your land line phone ring or unplugging it as well.
Just by realizing that all of these choices are under your control may in itself give you the clear uninterrupted foundation to begin being as productive and creative as you can be.
When you are complete with your time of being productive by all means choose to turn any and all distractions on that you desire.
After all of that the next step would be to leverage other people and services to free up more of your time to be more productive, creative, and enjoy more peace of mind.
Yes, this is the whole outsource aspect (which you all day long already whether you know it or not).
Services such as: auto mechanic, dry cleaning, lawn care, home repairs, restaurants, are basically outsourcing to the respected expert which frees up your time rather than doing it yourself.
In todays technological and information age there are a variety of services ranging from a dedicated virtual assistant, a concierge service, or tools which could simplify your life.
Speaking of being productive and creative I just noticed that I’ve rambled on enough about this message and think you got my point by now. 🙂
Will leave you with some simple resources I use that you may find beneficial to look into as well:
1) Ask Sunday
2) Longer Days
Until next time…
Make Today Great!
Tom Beal
