Interruptions vs Distractions

Most of us experience various forms of interruptions and distractions throughout our day. It could be an unexpected phone call, traffic delays, or a request that causes you to stop your current activity. This is all a very normal part of our everyday life.

You have so much to accomplish on any given day, and yes you will experience interruptions. The key is not to allow an interruption become a distraction. If you allow every interruption to become a distraction your ability to remain focused, and stay on task will be compromised. You may eventually get to the point where you will not be able to effectively accomplish your goals.

Keep in mind that an interruption is a temporary situation. It will change scope and become a distraction only when you continue dwelling on it long after the situation has been resolved. (now I'm not talking about a life or death situation)

The best way to approach this is to determine the nature of the interruption. Is it something that has to be handled right that moment, or can you delay the resolution for a more appropriate time in your day. Maybe it's something you can delegate to someone else. Last but not least perhaps it’s not something you even need to do.

Here are a couple of examples of interruptions that if handled properly will not change scope and become a distraction.

You're cruising in your car and moving right along then all of a sudden you begin slowing down and now you're no longer even moving. Oh no, you're going to be late! Let's face it traffic delays are going to happen from time to time (daily if you live in Atlanta) and once you’re caught in up traffic you just have to wait it out. However, why not use that additional time to listen to motivational, self improvement or financial planning books on CD. Try and take advantage of your down time and focus on what you can do vs. becoming frustrated by being delayed.

Ring…the unexpected phone call comes in with a request to do something that doesn't require your immediate attention (from your perspective). Now, you have a couple of options; one, determine that this is not something you're going to do, which in that case just be honest. Tell the requester you will not be able to accommodate their request or simply just say no. This frees you up to resume your current activity and requires no additional thought time.

Now I know that saying no can be very difficult especially depending on the requester. However, if you continue taking time out to do things you know you shouldn't do, don't have the time to do, or just plain don't want to do. You will eventually become distracted and frustrated because these types of requests are not something you feel you need to do either at this time, or ever.

On the other hand if you really will accommodate their request but you just can't do it right away, let them know you do plan to assist, but not at this time. Give them a time frame if you can to avoid the proverbial call back. Also, if it's something you can delegate, quickly do so.

The above examples represent types of interruptions that we'll all experience at one time or another. You may not be able to control when and how you will be interrupted, but you can control your reactions so that they do not become distractions!

Stay tuned for more Positive Vibrations by Coach DiAnn