The world is full of distractions, so many things that pull our attention away from what is truly important. Many of these distractions aren’t bad on their own but are keeping us from our more important goals. The more we advance technologically it seems the more options there are for distraction. Computers, televisions and especially smartphones can be immensely helpful but also can get in the way of our most important goals. The constant onslaught of information is a double-edged sword able to help us but also able to derail our plans if we’re not careful. In order to grow in our lives, we need to be able to work past these distractions so we can focus on our personal development. 

Here’s some tips to deal with the danger of distraction:

1. Make SMART goals. These goals are Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time sensitive. Ensure you goal is specific so that you clearly know what you’re aiming for, measurable so you know if you’ve reached it, or how close you are, attainable since a goal you can’t reach is only discouraging, relevant to the bigger picture of what you are working towards in life and time sensitive to keep you focused on achieving it in a reasonable amount of time and avoiding distractions. As an example, if you want to get healthier (which is too broad to be a SMART goal), your goal could be to be able to run a half-marathon before the local running event in the summer. This goal is quite specific, easy to measure your progress and eventual success, likely attainable depending on your current physical condition, relevant to the bigger picture drive towards being healthier and has a clear time limit for completion. After identifying these goals, break them into smaller, more manageable steps. With the previous example this could include creating a diet and nutrition plan that will help in this goal, scheduling work out times, planning out how to gradually increase the distance you’re running, registering for the marathon, etc. 

2. If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. It may sound cheesy, but without a clear plan of what needs to be done it is far easier to be distracted by whatever else may come your way. Make a clear plan of what needs to be done before you even start doing anything important. Schedule out your time to eliminate the option for distractions. 

3. Eliminate major sources of distraction. For many of us this may mean deleting Facebook or Instagram from our phone to keep us from wasting time scrolling, perhaps selling a game console that sucks up our attention and time, using settings that are one many smart phones now to limit screen time or working closely with an accountability partner to identify areas of distraction and find ways to combat them. Whatever the case, the first step is to identify sources of distraction. For some it may be very easy to know what soaks up our time, while others may be unaware of where the time goes. If this is the case, it may be a good idea to begin keeping a detailed record of how you spend your time or ask those close to you what they think. After that you need to find a way to overcome your distractions. Just remember that the more you compromise, the less likely you are to be able to succeed. 

4. Identify time-snatchers. These are the brief, typically meaningless, things we do to fill the short gaps in our day. For me this is typically reading articles or watching videos about sports (I know far too much about the current baseball season for someone who can’t beat actually sitting down to watch a baseball game), but for others it could be scrolling through social media feeds, playing games on your phone or watching YouTube videos. None of these activities are inherently wrong, just taking up time that could be better used. Along with identifying these time-snatchers, we need to plan what we can do in those time gaps that will help progress towards our goals. 

Distractions of all shapes and sizes will get in the way and prevent you from reaching your goals. These distractions don’t have to be bad in themselves but the space they take limits our potential. If we take the time to figure out how to defeat those distractions and use that time to grow instead, we can maximize what we are capable of.