LOOK AT MY TIE! MADE YOU LOOK!

 

Distractions are like weeds in a garden—if left unattended, they choke the life out of your most important goals. In today’s hyperconnected world, distractions come in many seductive forms: social media notifications, endless scrolling, unnecessary emails, and even our own thoughts. The first step in staving off these distractions is recognizing what triggers them. Is it boredom, stress, or the fear of missing out? Once you identify the root, you can begin to implement intentional barriers—like turning off phone notifications, setting specific “tech-free” hours, or creating a focused workspace that signals it's time for business.

Feeding your focus requires more than just eliminating distractions; it’s about creating an environment and mindset that actively support deep work. This might involve starting your day with a clear plan, prioritizing your top three tasks, and tackling them in uninterrupted sprints. Techniques like the Pomodoro method or time blocking can be effective tools. Equally important is aligning your tasks with your larger purpose. When you're working on something that truly matters to you, focus becomes less of a chore and more of a natural flow state.

Ultimately, it’s a matter of choice and commitment. You can choose to be the master of your time or let distractions rule your day. Feeding your focus is like feeding a fire—it grows with the right fuel. That fuel can be your goals, your family, your passions, or the legacy you want to leave behind. The more you feed it, the stronger it burns, pushing away distractions like shadows at sunrise.

Three things you can do to overcome distractions and feed your focus:

1. Create a distraction-free zone — Silence your phone, close unnecessary tabs, and clear your physical space to support focused work.
   
   

2. Schedule deep focus sessions — Use techniques like Pomodoro (25 minutes focused, 5-minute break) to train your mind to stay on track.
   
   

Review your "why" daily — Remind yourself each morning of your bigger purpose or goal. This keeps your focus sharp and distractions less tempting.