We can all agree that we live in a unique time where daily distractions and interruptions are high. There used to be a time when most of life’s distractions came from an outside source. Now we contend with internal and external distractions that can throw us off our game. “Staying focused” can seem almost impossible.
A distraction is a thing that stops you from giving full attention to something else. Distractions are a part of all our lives. While we can’t always avoid them, how well we manage them can indicate our successfully reaching our most important goals. The bombardment of these everyday distractions doesn’t just impact our focus; they can also sap our energy.
We are well aware of some of the most common distractions that can steal our time:
- Scrolling endlessly on social media
- Multitasking
- Disorganization
- Checking email
- Procrastination
- Visual clutter
- Indecision
- Perfectionism
- Unnecessary Meetings
- Busy work
However, there are some more subtle distractions, some internal, that might be slipping under the radar. Let’s take a look.
10 Hidden Distractions that Might be Holding You Back
- Unrelenting Anxious Thoughts:
There are times when anxiety can show up in the form of our thoughts around the feeling that we should be further along. It is a stressor that is very common to man. In other words, most people think like this, particularly ambitious people. However, the anxiety that this type of thinking causes can hold you back from taking action today. Once you become aware, you can stop it. Pause. Breath. Then get on with it.
- Setting the Wrong Goals:
Sometimes we set the wrong goals. Sometimes we let other people set our goals. You will be distracted if your dreams don’t make sense to you. Take the time to reassess your goals and determine whether or not they align with your core values. Your core values are personal; they set the foundation for what matters to you. If your goals and core values align, you will feel less distracted, happier, and more fulfilled. You will feel more motivated to get the right things done.
- Rehearsing Regrets
How often do you find yourself looking back at something with regret? Do you ever wish you had made a decision differently? It could be essential such as rehearsing an argument in your head that you lost because you forgot to mention something. Regardless of the severity, wasting time worrying about the past isn’t helping you move forward. Again, having regrets is common to man. Some of us can move on more quickly than others. When regrets pop up, acknowledge them and focus on the present moment. That’s where real change can happen.
- Holding on to Grudges
While you may have good reasons for the grudges you hold, they are still an energy-wasting distraction. Harboring resentment triggers your negative thinking. It’s hard to focus when you are too worried about what someone did to you in the past. If they did something truly unforgettable, the best revenge you can get is to forget about them altogether. If you find it impossible to let go, speak to a professional and get help. Sometimes people suck, but that should be their problem and not yours.
- The Thoughts (or Actions) of Others
This one is the most treacherous of all distractions. Why? It’s because you choose to focus on something you cannot control. We have all been here. Why are we so bothered by what other people think or do? So often change our behavior because we are worried about what other people will think. Constantly worrying about other people is unbelievably distracting. You can’t focus on what you want to do when you are too worried about what random people think.
- Setting Poor Boundaries
If you fail to set proper boundaries, you will be distracted. People will have no problem infringing on your time and energy. Learn when and how to say “no” more often. After a while, it will become second nature. If you struggle with this, consider creating a small network of what I like to call safe people. You would prefer to say “yes” to these people in your life. Since you have identified these people, saying “no” to everyone else will be much easier.
- Tied up in Toxic Relationships
Spending time with toxic people is a huge distraction. These people not only try to monopolize your time but also make you feel horrible and eat away at your soul. If you have a one-sided poisonous relationship in your life, consider cutting ties so you can focus on your goals, not theirs.
- The Promise of Bright Future
Having goals and a plan for the future is a powerful component of success. But don’t get your head stuck in the clouds. Getting lost in the promise of tomorrow can have the opposite effect. If you are too focused on the future, you will be distracted from everything happening now. Plan for the future, but live in the present and handle your “daily” to-do list, Queen.
- The Negative Impact of Social Media on Your Self Esteem
Social media is a fantastic tool. However, it is not for everyone. If your endless scrolling messes with your head, beware. If you allow social media to set expectations for how you show up in life, you might need a break. Instead of being distracted by what random people ( who may or may not be trying to sell you something ) have to say about how you should be and look and what you should have, put your phone down and focus on your expectations. You will be far less distracted while feeling better about yourself.
- Negative Thinking
Negative thoughts might be the most toxic distraction of all. When you engage in negative thinking, you waste time and energy. Negative thinking will distract you from all the positive things in your life. If you always think negatively, you must find a way to change that.
Final Thoughts:
We spend more and more of our days in the vortex of distraction. It’s quickly becoming the new norm. Don’t fret. You don’t have to settle for the unfocused, distracted lifestyle that’s forced on you. You can be “set apart.” Learning the skillset of how not to be distracted is possible. Being distracted does not have to be your default state of mind. You have already taken the first step by reading this article and becoming aware of the hidden distractions that hold you back. Now it’s time to implement.
Be well + prosper,
Elaine xx
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