The Vicious Cycle of Distraction is actually quite simple: the more time we spend distracted, the more prone to distraction we end up being.
Hi there,
In Indistractable, I introduced the Indistractable model as a system to help take back control of our attention and avoid distraction.
|
|
|
|
|
For a quick recap, the four components of the Indistractable model are:
Mastering Internal Triggers: Most distraction has an internal origin. By reimagining our relationship to the task and our self-perception, we can overcome our internal drive toward distraction.
Making Time For Traction: We need
to get clear on our values before we can avoid distraction. In Indistractable, we looked at some strategies for guarding our time and managing it more effectively.
Hacking Back External Triggers: Triggers for distraction in our external environment can pull us away from traction. However, there are a series of techniques that,
when implemented, make it much easier to create the space necessary to focus and get important work done.
Preventing Distraction with Pacts: “Pacts” are a powerful psychological technique known as “precommitments” that help us create bargains to keep us on track and finish tasks.
The overwhelming response from Indistractable readers was that this model helped them transform their lives and take back control of their time and attention.
- They reported feeling clearer about how they could beat distraction, and could finally focus on what was truly important to them.
- They went from feeling stressed out to feeling relaxed and confident that they were in control of how they spent their day.
But for a smaller segment of readers, some struggled to find the time to implement the lessons from the book.
They read the book. They applied some of the lessons. But when distraction inevitably appeared, they found themselves still struggling.
They were trapped in what I’ve come to call the “Vicious Cycle of Distraction”.
|
|
|
|
|
The Vicious Cycle of Distraction is actually quite simple: the more time we spend distracted, the more prone to distraction we end up being.
Many of us start with poor strategies for dealing with distractions, but we also don’t have time to sit down and fix them.
With barely enough time to apply the lessons from Indistractable, we invariably end up distracted. This leads to not having enough time in the day, feeling frustrated, and further distraction.
The cycle goes on.
Those stuck in the Vicious Cycle of Distraction share a few things in common:
- They’re Overwhelmed: With so much work to do, it’s hard to even think about applying lessons from a book, let alone considering how they apply to one’s unique situation.
- Reactive, Instead of Proactive: Instead of being in the driver’s seat of one’s life, someone stuck in the Vicious Cycle of Distraction only has the bandwidth to manage things as they come, so you can’t work on the things you know are truly important.
- They’re Frustrated and Disappointed: At the core of the Vicious Cycle of Distraction is an overwhelming feeling of frustration and disappointment. Frustration that the most important things didn’t get done again. Disappointment that one’s goals have been pushed back another day.
Does this sound familiar?
This Vicious Cycle of Distraction is the biggest reason some readers have been unable to become Indistractable.
So, over the course of the next two emails, I’m going to break down exactly what causes the Vicious Cycle of Distraction to occur in the first place:
- We’ll cover the two components that really drive the cycle, as well as a simple solution you can use to “short circuit” it and break free.
- We’ll also walk through a short activity designed specifically to help those still struggling with distraction to finally take back control of their time.
Stay tuned for the next email in a couple days!
Stay well,
Nir
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
