Distractions - How To Overcome Them - Part 2

Sometimes, just the fact that some things exist distracts us.  The next 3 items are a few of those things.

3. Television

It is easy when things catch your attention on TV and diverts your mind, thus causing you to forget that you are an entrepreneur and your business needs you to spend time on it in order to succeed. If you are someone who gets distracted by the TV and cannot ignore it, then put some time management skills into play. Schedule time to watch TV. Maybe put in a break in your day… a lunch hour during that favorite TV program time, that way, you get a break from your business and you are not interfering with what needs to be happening during work time. Then, you are refreshed and able to focus on what matters. Is it cheating… no, even at regular jobs you get a lunch break or 15-minute breaks. Then, when work time resumes, turn the TV off to prevent further distraction.

4. Social Networking

Social networking, Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, Twitter, etc… are some of the top 10 distractions while working. If you are using it for business… that’s good. However, if you are updating folks on personal activities, then you are distracted. Become ‘invisible’ in the chat rooms so others don’t know that you are online. Limit your personal interactions for after work or for during your break time.

5. Search/Browsing

When browsing the internet, there is such an amazing amount of info that you can literally get lost in just searching. Be sure to stay focused on your search so that an inter-link, that has nothing to do with work, does not sidetrack you. The best solution is to subscribe to RSS and read what you love after completing your work for the day.

I hope this helps you in your quest today for overcoming distractions and thus changing your state of mind.  Join me Wednesday as I cover Food, E-mail, and Working all the time in dealing with distractions.

Distractions - How To Overcome Them

Distractions... you can't work with them and you can't live with out them! 

Everything in our lives can become a distraction.  It is a part of our everyday lives for every person on this earth.  It is how we deal with them that decides whether they become a distraction or not.

If you are an entrepreneur, being your own boss is the most valued gratification for you in a home-based business. With this understanding, you know that this choice comes with the brute fury of distraction.

These distractions seem extremely inconsequential in comparison of what you desire to accomplish. These distractions may seem very insignificant, but if you think about the trifling endeavors that obstruct your efficiency and output, you will realize that they prevent you from living victoriously.

Everything you do in dealing with distractions will require setting boundaries.  If you have difficulty setting boundaries in your life for yourself, family, or friends, please get the book called "Boundaries" by clicking here.  It will help you to learn how to do it. 

Here is a list of the most prevalent distractions that can sidetrack your mind, and thus your work, too easily. See where you have been misusing your time in any of these things. Then contemplate on how to minimize them. Each day this week, I will put up a few new ones for you to consider.

1. Phone

Even if you are working in a relaxed setting of your home in absolute seclusion, one phone call from a friend or family can easily railroad you off track. You could be very interpersonal, and accepting ongoing, non-business related calls become a normal practice for you. BUT, when it comes to work, keep these calls at arms length. Turn your ringer off or just don't answer the incoming calls during work hours unless your business is dependent on answering the phone... OR... Let friends and family know that you are at work and cannot talk. Then, put the phone away as to not be tempted to play with the many features provided.

2. Daily Chores

With working at home, we have the freedom to work at our own pace, including doing chores. However, if you are interrupting your work time to complete the daily chores, then the chores have become a major distraction for you. It is important to set boundaries of your professional verses your domestic life. If you do not set these boundaries, then you will continue to be distracted by them and you will continue to not be as productive as you could be. Make believe that your office is outside of the home at another building and that you are not available for the domestic duties until you get off of work and go home just like any other job.

Remember, as we change our thoughts, our state of mind changes also, thus our behavior changes in accordance to the thoughts that we have.  So, let's keep distractions out of our minds so that we can be more productive in whatever activity we are doing.  Join me Monday as we talk about how Television, Social Networking, and Browsing can be distractions.  Also, if you have a testimony on how you were able to overcome a distraction in your life, please feel free to share it in our comments section.