“Use what talents you possess; the woods would be very silent if no birds sang there except those that sang best.” – Henry van Dyke
There’s a constant struggle that happens. Do, or do not.
The world needs your talents. You might feel scared, or be gripped by imposter syndrome. But you are the only one who can be you.
Don’t deprive the world of what you can bring into it.
The ability to focus and resist distractions is a valuable skill, at work and in life.
Developing a distraction-free routine strengthens your discipline and self-control.
Doing the bit that Cal Newport calls deep work.
There isn’t a clear-cut method for limiting distractions. But, there’s help.
Most apps and devices allow you to customize notification settings. Turn off unnecessary notifications and only allow alerts for the absolutely essential.
Had my phone unexpectedly stop working (only momentarily, but long enough to cause a minor catastrophe). So I purchased a new one.
Only, I wasn’t able to transfer anything over. Which was mildly infuriating.
For about a day. Then, as I went without all the things I would typically use on my phone, reinstalling apps only as they were necessitated, I realized it wasn’t so bad.
We become entirely reliant on that which we have access to. But, even twenty years ago, phones weren’t as smart as they are now. And we did okay.
Sometimes it may seem difficult to let go. Until you actually do, and realize it may not have been so bad after all.
The constant pinging, buzzing, and popping up of notifications is altering our concentration.
Distraction is incessant. It takes the mind away from the task at hand and forces one to switch attention, making it harder to focus and complete tasks efficiently.
And we invite it in almost unwaveringly.
Start by breaking down a large project into smaller, more manageable tasks. Set an initial goal that’s ambitious but achievable, rather than one that’s completely out of reach.
It’s rarely important as to how big that first step is. Just so long as you take it.
Don’t try to overhaul your entire system at once.
Begin with a single step and gradually incorporate others as you get comfortable.
Don’t try to rush it.
Early on I had visions of consistent, thought-provoking content.
Most of the time, it’s just a passing fancy. I don’t even know what I wrote the day before, most of the time.
That is something, though. To be able to let go of the previous day’s work.
If it’s completed, how much space do you need to lease it in your head?
The fear of making the wrong choice can lead to indecisiveness and procrastination. This can impact everything.
From simple daily choices to major life decisions, it can cause stress and hinder progress.
Don’t shy away from decisions. Lean in to the discomfort, and see what you’re capable of.
Nearly two months of daily posts.
Not for the bench mark. Not even that I think I’ve said something worth saying. Yet.
But it will come. As with all ideas, it just takes time to sort through the cruft.
Michael's Musings 