Do you often find yourself getting easily distracted? You're not alone.

The world has changed rapidly, especially when it comes to technology. I remember during my school days, smartphones weren't the norm. It was still the era of QWERTY keyboards and Nokia phones.

Back in the day, it was so much easier to focus on my main job: studying. The biggest distraction was probably just the television, and even that wasn't too bad.

But now, things have changed a lot. Remember the days when we didn't have smartphones glued to our hands? It's like a distant memory!

Today, we're all constantly on our phones, juggling work, social media, games, newsfeeds, and emails.

Let me share a funny story. One day, I accidentally left my mobile phone at home for half a day. Those few hours felt like an eternity!

🤣 I went to buy a drink—No Gcash/Maya, and I had no cash. THIRSTY.

🤪 I needed to access some work—No OTP. STUCK. 

🤭 Tried to go back home to get my phone—No GRAB, no cash. I HAD TO WALK 3 KILOMETERS in a scorching hot summer. 

It was a real eye-opener. It made me realize just how much we've come to rely on our phones for everything. They're so essential in our lives now, but so ironic that they're also our biggest distraction.

Let me share my 4 key tips for removing distractions (when I needed to REALLY focus):

1. Block Out Time for Deep Work

I find a time when I'm least likely to be distracted and dedicate that period to deep work. For me, it's usually the morning between 8 am and 11 am, right after a good mornin walk. I set a timer or alarm, put my phone face down, and dive into my work. It's not easy at first since we're so used to checking our phones every few minutes, but this practice helps you focus fully and builds discipline.

2. Set Deadlines

We all tend to procrastinate, especially when we have plenty of time before a deadline. To combat this, I set a deadline for my goals and targets. It creates a sense of urgency and minimizes distractions. I do this by setting a time limit to write my Social media posts (LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter) usually 20 to 30 minutes before I have to run to a client meeting. If I miss the window, I have to find time in my busy schedule to finish it, which is not ideal. When your schedule is tight, there's no room for procrastination or distractions.

3. Putting Your Phone into Airplane Mode

This one's a game-changer for eliminating distractions. When I'm not in client meetings, I'm often working on my laptop. It's tempting to keep tabs open for messenger and emails, but I've learned to mute notifications and only check them after finishing my strategic work. In the past, I would immediately read every new message or email, but now I wait until I'm done with the task at hand. Turn that Airplane mode, honey!

4. Embrace the Power of 'Do Not Disturb' Mode

Here's a fun one: if your phone had a personality, 'Do Not Disturb' mode would be its "I'm busy, leave me alone" face. Embrace it! When you're diving into work or just need some peace, turn on 'Do Not Disturb.' It's like putting a friendly "Back in 5" sign on your digital life. And don't worry, your dog videos and meme notifications will still be there when you're done. Just remember, even our phones need a break from us sometimes!

Feel free to try out these tips and see how they work for you. And if you have any of your own strategies or funny stories about battling distractions, I'd love to hear them! Let's keep each other motivated and focused.