How to be Indistractable

In a transformational situation, it’s important to focus on creating traction and not on distractions. In this context, I like the book ‘Indistractable’ by Nir Eyal. He provides a helpful framework, insights and practical actions. Some highlights:

1. Master Your Inner Distraction Triggers
   – Inenam discomfort is often a trigger for a distractive action.
   – Inner discomfort is a natural emotional gravitational state.
   – You can however deal with discomfort urges like boredom before it triggers distractions.
   – You can apply the ACT Therapy process: 1. Observe the urge, 2. Write it down, 3. Be curious, 4. Realise the urge goes away.
   – You can strengthen your belief regarding your own will power capacity.
   – You can make boring and challenging tasks more playful by focusing on detail and setting rules.
   
   
2. Make Time for Traction
   – Be clear about your goals and intentions and put them front and centre.
   – Block your calendar into sections dedicated to your priorities.
   – I have found it helpful to review my goals annually, quarterly, weekly and daily to keep focused on them.
   
   
3. Hack Back External Distraction Triggers
   – It’s time to hack your time back, because many distractions are focused on getting you hooked.
   – Use rules/signals towards others when you cannot be distracted, like a red sign on your desk.
   – I normally spend less than 10 minutes a day on emails, with answers like: OK, no, call me.
   – Be careful with group chats. Treat them like a sauna… Stay for a while, but then leave them.
   – Reclaim time from unnecessary meeting time by shortening, reducing and eliminating them.
   – I normally have hardly 1-hour meetings, but more standard 15 or 30 minute long ones.
   
   
4. Prevent Distraction
   – Make a precommitment of pre-emptying distractions for example by limiting screen time, having a time locked candy box.
   – Make it part of your identity. I am a vegetarian or early riser is a stronger statement then I can’t eat meat or have to wake up early.

How Indistractable are you? What practices are you applying?