Getting through Nov. 3rd and getting something done, too
Distraction as a key to success (ASCDR)
Who ever thought that distraction can help you succeed? But it can!
-For those of you who overthink problems, or obsess about such issues as “technical problems”, distraction can really help
What do you do when you have a problem, such as “the internet is down” that stops you dead in your tracks? Distract yourself and move on. A client of mine had such a problem last week, and with the help of my “distraction tool”, he was able to get a lot done, despite technical issues. Having a to-do list helps, but best of all is to stop, say to yourself all will be solved in the end, distract yourself, totally refocus on a different job, and then move to something else on that to-do list.
ALSO - For those of you stuck in non-creativity, distraction can become your best friend.
When everything you do seems like “blah-blah-blah” and nothing looks fun, energizing or worth doing anymore, distract yourself. It’s time for a refocus on something completely different that will help you to find your creativity again. In this case, a short walk outside into nature may do the trick, or perhaps a quick look at old photos of fun activities with friends and family, or try a break with a great cup of coffee or tea and a conversation with a friend or colleague. These short distractions may be just the solution you need to move out of your non-creative rut.
-For those of you with the “Law of Jante” in your soul (or “who am I to think I can do this”, a kind of imposter syndrome), distraction may be the freedom your soul needs to break out, move on, and succeed.
Jante’s Law comes from the north, Scandinavia to be exact, and it runs “in my veins”, perhaps yours as well. It’s easy to think your idea is not really all that great, to think you are not special, and certainly not special enough to do something great. All these negative thoughts can get you into a dark thinking downward spiral. What do you do? STOP! And distract yourself. Just do it!
So, what’s the process?
A- Become aware: notice the obsessing, the stuck-ness, the negativity -and
S- Say “STOP”! catch yourself and call yourself on it – and
C- Choose your preferred distraction (you can go to my coaching pintrest board for a couple of good pins on self-distraction, or google “funny cats”) – and
D- Distract yourself – and enjoy yourself- and when you are calm and positive,
R- Reboot and try again
The reboot may be you try the same activity again, or maybe better for now, you do something totally new. It’s your choice. But you will, either way, be more productive.
Today is a special day for many of us – it’s Election Day in the US and the presidential race has caught the eyes of the entire world. In Europe, there have been a series of terrorist attacks in major French and just now, Vienna; and COVID-19 is locking Europe down again. There are many serious issues going on around us that we can obsess about, so maybe, today, just to get through and get a few good things done, distract yourself. Let tomorrow deal with itself for now.
No matter what, try to notice and when you catch yourself obsessing and then distract yourself when things are not going well. REMEMBER: A-S-C-D-R.
Stay safe, well and as productive as is possible.
Patricia Jehle
