Don’t Let Donald (Or Anyone Else) Distract You
Wow. There is A LOT of chatter swirling about regarding the change in leadership in the world’s highest position. It’s been less than two weeks since the Inauguration, and let’s just say that there has been a flurry of activity coming out of the Oval Office and into the streets of our great nation.
This activity has caused many people to get caught up in the maelstrom, whether they are on the right or the left of the political spectrum. Social media feeds have exploded with the latest nugget of news. Tensions are on the rise, and people are getting stressed. This post is NOT about Donald Trump or his actions: It’s about YOURS. Specifically, it’s about your actions as it relates to your gainful employment. It does NOT address or condone any political actions. That is a personal decision you can grapple with on your own.
Have you found yourself getting sucked into the cyclone of the 24-hour news feed (both real and fake)? If not, kudos to you for keeping focused on your priorities, your job, and your personal care. You are in the minority. If you have noticed a marked decrease in your performance, productivity and positivity, then I encourage you to take this moment to reset your mind and return it to full power.
Here are a few strategies you can use to reduce the distractions and get you focused on your vocational responsibilities and vision:
Wake up earlier. Set your alarm for 30 minutes earlier than you normally do. Use that time for the express purpose of creating quiet, interrupted time to yourself where you can stretch your body and still your mind. Pay attention only to your breath. It will improve your focus throughout the day.
Don’t click on Facebook (at least right away). This goes for any other social media site as well. You have plenty of time to find out what everybody else is thinking about the current state of affairs – they are more than happy to share it! Use the first part of your morning just for YOU. Use that time to strengthen your vision using your Statement of Intention and to visualize a peaceful, productive day ahead.
Make your list. Get out that 3x3 post-it pad and write down the one, two or three things you absolutely, positively MUST get done today in support of your vision. Identify what times you’ll be doing those activities, and don’t visit any news-tainment sites until you cross off your items.
Move. Get out of your head for a bit and into your body. Play some music as you walk on the treadmill, lift weights, or dance in the kitchen. Do NOT watch yet more television or surf sites while you are working out. Just as you are working out your body, you are giving your mind and eyes a much-needed rest.
Turn off the radio. Don’t listen to the radio when you are driving. Just enjoy the silence and let your mind settle down. You’ll be more present on the road, and you’ll get a break from the collective buzz.
Set boundaries. Give yourself a certain amount of time to get up to speed on current newsworthy events, and set a timer to avoid time-creep. Try reading articles from several different outlets with a variety of perspectives. It will help you to understand the issues more clearly while growing your empathy for “the other side”. (This understanding of the “other” is critically needed now and will help you be more effective when collaborating on other projects.)
End your day with a book. It’s far too easy to end our evenings with the glowing screens in front of us. Not only does that negatively impact our ability to sleep, but it also keeps our energy plugged into the crazy. Instead, choose to read an engaging fiction or an inspirational personal development book. Give your brain a rest and end your night with some genuine entertainment and levity.
Regardless of your political party affiliation, you and your productivity levels can be negatively affected by this rapid-fire political climate. We all need to stay focused on self-care and work priorities in order to accomplish the goals we have set for ourselves in every area of our lives. By consciously unplugging from the madness, you are reinforcing your energy so you can show up as purposefully and powerfully as possible.
You are the president of your life. How will you lead?
Theresa Rose is a business motivational speaker, award-winning author and expert on mindful productivity who helps organizations and their teams have more time, get more done, earn more money and have more fun. For more information, visit TheresaRose.com.
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