7 Tips on Avoiding Distraction
I talk a lot about the benefits of creating.
In today's pace of living our attention span is being pulled in all sorts of directions.
I've realised that the only time I'm truly focused is when I'm either A) writing, for example web content or a blog post, and B) creating art with intention.
I have two modes whilst making art.
FLOW My sketchbook pages are often put together with 'flow' no expected outcome, purely experiments that may succeed or fail with varying materials.
INTENT - Where I have a pre formed idea of what I want to produce, usually following a bit of planning work. Although this often produces an experience of flow too, if it's going well!
Staying focused is hard!
If I'm about to enter a session of INTENT there's a couple of things I do to try and help me focus:
Put my phone in another room. (I am weak, if it's within reach I will respond)
Write a to - do list. I find by emptying out what's swirling in the brain on paper helps me visualise tasks according to their importance.
On that note, I always try to chip away at the task I least want to do first.
Remind myself that If I get the hard stu done I'm allowed to go out and play. With paint. Whilst watching Game Of rones, again.
Use time blocks. For example the Pomodore technique is a popular time management system where you focus without distraction for 25 mins, have a 5 min break, then repeat this three times. You then have a 30 minute break and start again.
Reiterate to myself that my time is currency, so wherever I put my attention, that area will grow.
Be prepared. Have everything I need for the task ready. Including a glass of water and/or tea!
If you want to dig deep into attention/distraction at a neural level there’s some good articles here
So maybe if you’re struggling to move forward learning a skill or developing a process these tips will help.