“Squirrel!”

If you’re a fan of the “Up” movie from Disney Pixar, then you know the significance of that word. Distractions! If you’re like me, distractions (i.e. squirrels) constantly invade my day, destroy my time, and wreak havoc on my to do list. It’s hard for me to stay focused when I have distractions constantly stealing my attention. But, I’ve found a way to maintain my focus by using four simple steps.

1st, Know the Enemy

Sun Tzu states this in his book The Art of War. Know your enemy if you want to defeat him. We need to know our major distractions. Is it email? Is it Facebook? Phone calls? Pop-in visitors? Coffee breaks? Make a list of all your top distractions. In his book Essentialism, Greg Mckeown points out the importance of discerning what is important vs. unimportant. According to Greg, when you really look at everything, you’ll see the unimportance of practically everything. Don’t judge me, but one of my distractions is actually a real squirrel! Through my office window is the oak-tree home of my furry little distraction. Knowing your distractions creates awareness but it’s just your first step.

2nd, Focus on Today

Don’t worry about tomorrow, just focus on today (Matthew 6:34) – After you’ve reviewed your to do list or your master list of projects, the focus needs to be placed on what needs to be done today. Sir Richard Branson is known as a leader who sets a vision for the future, but what many may not know, is that he spends much of his time focused on what needs to happen today. While leaders need to have a vision for the future it’s important to always remember that nothing gets done in the future. Work can only get done in the present so plan for tomorrow, but stay focused on today!

3rd, Change your Environment

If you cannot remove the squirrels from the oak tree, then remove yourself from the oak tree. When I need to focus, I seriously have to close the blinds of my office window so I can’t see the little tree-rat distractions (Sorry squirrel lovers, I’m not a big fan.) In Quiet Strength, Tony Dungy shows how he changed the team environment in Tampa Bay to create a positive attitude and provide a focus. Attitudes changed, performance changed, and within only two football seasons, records changed. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers went from 7-9 in 1995 to 10-6 in 1997 with a trip to the playoffs.

4th, Lean on Others for Support

Don’t be shy about asking for help. There is a reason why Alcoholics Anonymous assigns accountability partners to the attendees. We all need help and support at times but many of us (especially us guys) are too proud to ask for it. Who should you call on as your accountability partner? Ask for help from those who love you today and who can see your potential for tomorrow. I’d caution against asking for help from anyone who is unwilling to ask for help himself or herself. Your best help will come from those who understand your need for support and encouragement. The importance of social support for success is researched and documented in Kerry Patterson’s book Change Anything. He shows that without social support from others, we are less likely to succeed with change.

We can develop new habits if we eliminate distractions and create greater focus, but it will take effort. As harmless as squirrels may appear, never forget the damage they can cause when they get in your attic! Don’t let distractions destroy your future!

Perfection is a direction,
Russ

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