Poddster Singapore reposted this
Do you consider yourself "indistractable"🤔? I’m not there yet—I’d say I have a classic case of shiny object syndrome🤩. If you’ve experienced this too, welcome to the club! Though I've made strides in staying focused over the years, there's still work to be done, so I'm always on the lookout for fresh insights on focus 👀 . Funny enough, even learning itself can become a distraction! Ever notice how, when we don’t feel like working, our minds suddenly come up with a hundred “urgent” topics to explore before getting back to the task at hand? Fortunately, last night’s learning was intentional, not accidental—I attended a Q&A session with Nir Eyal, author of "Indistractable", and walked away with some fascinating insights. Here’s what resonated: ✨ Become aware of what causes distractions About 90% of our distractions come from internal discomforts like boredom, anxiety, and self-doubt, not from external sources (which account for only about 10%). ✨ Address discomfort Nir shared two powerful techniques: 👉 10-minute rule: Sit with discomfort for a few minutes—don’t reach for your device or any other quick fix. Observe the emotion like a passing wave; often, it will fade on its own. 👉 Reframe with a mantra: When you don’t feel like tackling an important task, try saying, “This is what it feels like to improve. This is what it feels like to grow.” (slightly modified from the original) ✨ Time-box your values Block time in your calendar for what’s important, like time with loved ones, personal time, or exercise. Most of us only block work—and when work expands, it tends to fill every unclaimed space. Regularly ask yourself, How do my time investments reflect my values? For example, if you value health but don’t make time for exercise, it might be time to adjust your calendar or reassess your priorities. ✨ Make time for traction “Traction” is the opposite of distraction; it’s about intentionally investing time in what you choose to do—even if that means resting or doing nothing. If you get distracted, ask yourself: From what did I get distracted? If the answer is unclear, it may mean you weren’t fully intentional about your activity. ✨ Differentiate reflective vs. reactive work Do you set aside time each week for reflective work—like planning, strategizing, and reflecting—or are you always in “reactive” mode? ✨ Measure productivity differently Instead of asking, “Did I complete this task?” ask, “Did I manage to work on this task without distractions during the planned time block?” Over time, this approach helps you estimate task durations better, manage your workload more effectively, and feel more focused and accomplished. 💃 And here’s a big one: Self-perception matters. Start seeing yourself as “indistractable,” and whatever you choose to do, stay fully present in the moment. What are your best practices for staying "indistractable"? Share your ideas! #leadershipdevelopment #peakperformance #indistractable