Managing distractions

…especially significant ones we care about.

Last year, I allowed too much of my capacity, especially my reading capacity, to be taken up following the news—hoping for some signs of sense prevailing, especially in Britain and America, frankly. Sense in these contexts is a matter of opinion and values, of course.

I know what I think is right. You may well differ.

Anyway, the point is I can’t influence these troubling events, and I’m guessing, neither can you.

So how to detach our attention from them, and focus properly on things where our energies actually can make a difference? How to stay focused on what we want to achieve through our own efforts, as opposed to what we hope may transpire? How to make sure we are fully present for our families, friends, and colleagues? And at the same time stay connected with big events?

Some say it’s good more people are engaged in political issues. Up to a point I agree, but not if it means we neglect what we can actually make a difference to. In the end, our potential to transform our own affairs can most likely overcome the consequences of national upheaval—if we stay focused.

If our country is going to be in a mess, that’s bad enough—and maybe we can learn leadership lessons from politicians’ errors—but best not to compound the problem by undermining our own work. Then we’ll suffer twofold.

As with many things, being aware of the issue is at least half the solution. The rest of the answer may be detaching emotionally from what we can’t do anything about, at least when we should be doing something else.

What’s your key to managing significant distractions?

Best wishes for 2019!