Distraction
The world around you is designed to distract you.
From advertisements to an abundance of information or tasks to complete, there is always something pulling at your attention.
Further, your brain is designed to be distracted.
Unexpected stimuli catch the attention of the brain.
Your brain is also acutely attuned to noticing novelty.
This is why you can walk down the same coffee aisle 100 times yet notice that one new flavour randomly on the shelf.
The fallacy is that you can eliminate distractions.
This is true in the same way that you can eliminate breathing by holding your breath.
Your mind will find distractions, internal or external, no matter how careful you are.
The key to limiting distraction is similar to holding your breath.
You can, over time, build capacity and effectiveness; but short, well-spaced bursts are essential rather than continuously making attempts.
Also similar to breath holding: repeatedly trying to eliminate distractions will just cause hyperventilation.
Give yourself focus time.
Give yourself about half as much focus time as you initially thought you could manage.
And remember to breathe normally in between.
Coffee puts the “ee” in Yeehaw,
- Morning Cup