Distraction

Age of Distraction

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

In this age, aptly described as The Age of Distraction, we find ourselves surrounded by events and stimuli that draw, break, or divert our attention from one focus to another. A distraction can be as fleeting as a flash of lightning, a crash of thunder, a piece of music, a child's demand, a fragrance, a ringing phone, or a coworker's question. It may last mere seconds or minutes, or it can consume the rest of the day, even a week, breaking our focus and halting progress. Distractions often create diversions, turning us aside from our purpose, much like a feint in warfare or sports that draws an opponent's attention to leave them vulnerable elsewhere. In the broader context of our times, distractions manifest on a grand scale, such as through terrorism, which acts as a feint to capture public attention while other significant shifts occur unnoticed. This pervasive environment of distraction poses a serious challenge to those striving to maintain focus on spiritual priorities. He has permitted an explosion of mechanical and electronic knowledge in recent times, testing whether we truly love His way of life and can discipline ourselves against the easily accessible, often pleasurable, yet spiritually unprofitable diversions that surround us. These distractions create confusion and a flurry of movement as people seek meaning amidst the chaos, diverting minds from the purpose to which we are called. We must choose to discipline ourselves, resisting the massive feint of this world's appealing busyness that seeks to pull us away from the reality of the spiritual battle at hand.

One Answer to Distractions

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Distractions pose a significant barrier to valuable accomplishment, as they are easily accessible and almost beg for attention. In the realm of business, interruptions are a major cost to profitability, with the average person experiencing at least fifteen interruptions per hour, totaling 240,000 interruptions in a year. These constant disruptions act like small cuts, bleeding away productivity time. Each individual often becomes their own worst enemy by allowing questions and multiple tasks to divide their focus, resulting in neither task receiving full attention. Research indicates that the average knowledge worker loses 28% of their workday to interruptions and the recovery time associated with them, equivalent to losing an entire work week each month. Emails, in particular, are cited as one of the most effective tools for producing interruptions in the modern business environment, replacing quick desk visits with instant, often unexpected disruptions that can come from vast distances. To combat distractions, two foundational principles are suggested for enhancing productivity. First, one must play defense by organizing work time and setting a firm resolve against responding to assaults on attention, such as ignoring emails or quick questions without causing offense. Second, one must go on the offense by planning strategies to expand concentrated work time, avoiding self-interruptions from fleeting ideas, and motivating disciplined focus while actively working. Additionally, setting rigid finish lines for tasks is crucial, as an unclear goal or a mindset of working as long as it takes often allows distractions to push the finish line further away, hindering accomplishment.

Focus Is The Key

Commentary by John W. Ritenbaugh (1932-2023)

Distraction poses a significant barrier to productivity, as mental interruptions occur with alarming frequency, averaging fifteen times per hour according to business expert Dave Crenshaw. These interruptions, often self-inflicted, act like small cuts from a poisonous dagger, bleeding away productivity in amounts larger than one might casually perceive. A primary culprit is the dreaded "quick question," or QQ, which frequently arises from impatience and lacks true importance, yet diverts focus and consumes valuable time. Whether originating from oneself or a co-worker, this shift in attention disrupts productivity. The solution lies in mastering one's ability to focus, as controlling others is impossible; self-control becomes paramount. Recognizing that life unfolds within the unceasing flow of time, which waits for no one, is crucial. If we are the source of interruptions, we bear responsibility for the loss of time. To combat this, setting clear boundaries like a "finish line" or "deadline" provides psychological impact, unlike the vague term "goal," ensuring focus remains unbroken. Time must be treated as precious and scarce, preserved with intentionality. Emails also emerge as a significant distraction, with notifications breaking focus and burning time. Creating a personal schedule for checking emails, rather than responding to each alert, helps maintain concentration. Additionally, taking time to creatively plan the approach to the next task before beginning enhances focus and productivity, ensuring a deliberate and effective use of time.

Distraction

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