I think this might be my 10th time saying it this week:

Distractions are normal.

You’ll never be 100% focused. I’m so glad we aren’t. We aren’t robots, and all the unexpected moments in our life feed our creativity and help us grow.

It’s not about being focused. It’s about focusing on the right things and cutting the stuff out of your life that doesn’t work for you. It’s about focusing on the right things and not allowing yourself to be a slave to the urgent or hysterical.

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Sometimes I think we convince ourselves if we are crossing everything off our checklist, if we are making everyone happy, if we have a really good credit score, we aren’t “distracted.” And maybe in a functional way you aren’t.

But remember, I’m not so much focusing on productivity as I am on those actions and thoughts that help you get closer to your best life, or a purpose-driven life.

In this video, I share five things you can do to manage some of the distractions in your life.

1. Make a comprehensive list of your visions, your responsibilities and your distractions. Seeing the picture can help you make adjustments.
2. Start making choices right now. Where are you going to say no, so you can say yes.
3. Communicate your plans to the important people in your life so they can support you.
4. Understand the timelines of your actions so you can take comfort that your “no’s” aren’t forever.
5. Let go of the idea you can only be focused when things are going well. Tune out the struggle so you can get to the finish line!

But there is something else I wanted to make sure you know and give you some real instruction to get around it.

Your distractions are generally not “bad.” We aren’t talking about addictions here. Most of what pulls you away from your plans are not activities or investments anyone would advise you against. If you don’t plan for these “good” distractions, you will always be distracted.

• Children, Partners or Spouses.

I get that you are responsible for taking care of these wonderful people in your life. Your pocketbook. Your car. Your time. Your energy. Your love. But you can’t always say yes. Sometimes you have to push them off onto someone else, say no, or not right now. Or if you DO say yes, make sure you complete what you promised to yourself.

• The people who will be happy.

Many of you think a good day is a day no one is mad at you. Whew! I used to be that way too. What a racquet, running around trying to put a smile on everyone’s face while your personal to-do list gets longer and longer. I have something to say to you: Stop that! Right now. Choose what you will do from a space of what you believe. The never-satisfied will drift away, and those that care about you will trust your decisions.

• It’s a good cause, or a good reason.

The neighborhood kid selling something (unless it’s Girl-Scout cookies!), the Cancer benefit, the friend’s birthday gift, your own children asking for yet another something their friends have. It’s all good but unless you are independently wealthy (even then), you have to make choices and you better do it in advance. You have big visions to invest in your best life. Invest there first and keep all the causes and reasons on a waiting list. Say yes to your best life and you will be able to say yes to a lot more.

• Because you have to make money.

This is a big one, because it’s in the name of responsibility. You have to pay your bills. You have people depending on you. You are getting things done and people say it would be irresponsible to throw it away. Please note: I want you to have an amazing credit score. I really do. But what I don’t want is for you to put all your dreams and gifts on hold so you can roll into the final years of your life with money in the bank. I believe this with all my heart: there is room for your dreams and your responsibilities. You just have to plan.

You want to change your life? Get focused, handle distractions and finish what you’ve started. It’s a game changer and best yet, you can start RIGHT NOW. Good luck!

 

And make sure you check out my Youtube Channel and join me in The 180 Life Facebook group!