Distraction is the #1 issue that most people face in a home office environment. Whether its your normal household routine, the lack of 9 to 5 work-day structure, or the people in your life - finding your focus when working from home can be incredibly difficult.
Focus and follow-through are the two main ingredients in the recipe for success with your online business. And distraction is your biggest enemy in achieving either of them.
I have a method of beating distraction that I refer to as "working with blinders on", which is my way of filtering out noise and staying focused on the project at hand. In over a decade of working from home with an online business, I have certainly dealt with my share of distraction. There is no way to completely eliminate it, but there are ways that you can dramatically increase your productivity and finally achieve some semblance of sanity and focus...
Compare it to the way blinders are used in horse races, to keep the horse from getting spooked - or to keep them from getting distracted by the other horses in the same race and the people watching from the sidelines:
this keeps the horse focused on what is in front of him, encouraging him to pay attention to the race rather than other distractions -source
I am not going to recommend that you actually wear a set of blinders (though there are days I am tempted!), but rather that you use this same concept to filter out the noise in daily life so that you can focus on your personal goals.
The comparison is spot on really. We are 'spooked' by competitors, distracted by the concerns of people who are watching to see whether we will succeed or fail, and easily lose our vision of the 'finish line' by all of the noise and excitement going on around us (both online and off).
We're human. It's only natural.
I would venture to guess that this is the very reason a big company will put its employees into small cubicles, separating them from each other and from all potential distraction.
That cubicle "living in a box" lifestyle is what most of us are trying to move away from, or avoid altogether. We want creative freedom, flexible hours, and the means to reach out and live up to our full potential.
Finding balance between these two extremes lies in self-discipline. Being self-employed requires it, along with being self-taught and self-motivated. These are the keys to entrepreneurial success, and the meaning behind the name of my primary site: Self-Starters Weekly Tips. They are also the identifying elements of the core people that make up the SSWT community.
UN-learning "the norm"
If you are struggling with these points, dont feel bad. We all do, or at least have at some point. Truth be known, even the people who seem to have 'nailed it' only appear that way because they wake up every day and continue to nail it.
Collectively, we make up the first generation of the work-at-home craze that is sweeping our planet. It's the "new rich" as Timothy Ferris likes to call it, and we are each pioneers - paving the way for generations to come.
My point is that it is a learned process. Not a lifestyle that you were likely raised in, or have previous experience to draw on - unless you were one of an incredibly lucky few. Most of us had parents who went to work every day, or a stay-at-home mom with an admirable but very different role from the women of our own generation.
From this point forward stop struggling, and stop wondering why this may not come easy for you. Instead, consider yourself on a mission to cut a new path and create the exact life that you want. This is all in your hands, and part of the reason you choose to work from home is to have the freedom to live a totally different kind of life.
Different is good.
As long as you can clearly define what it is, and not just what it isnt.
Filtering out the noise
Noise. It's part of our daily life. It's a ringing phone, a knock at the door, television, newspapers, children in the background, mail, instant messages, email notifications, household routines and even our habits. They all conspire against us to keep us completely distracted and unproductive.
Some people put up virtual cubicle walls in their home office, creating an environment that the rest of the world can relate to and respect. Closed doors, ringers off, clearly defined boundaries - they can all contribute nicely to a less distracting space to sit down and focus on your goals.
But even if you lock yourself in a sound proof room, you still have your own personal noise to contend with: the thoughts in your head, and the information you choose to consume.
Defining your filters
In order to clearly define your filters, you must first define your objectives. Know what you want to accomplish, and where you want to be ten years from now. If you cant get a clear vision of yourself and your life in 10 years, try 5 - or even one.
I am in the process of living out my own 10-year plan and I can tell you firsthand that there is nothing like knowing exactly where you are, where you are going, and what you need to do today to get there.
Having that kind of vision is the core of the Think and Grow Rich concept, and a common characteristic of people who have achieved success throughout history. If you have not yet studied this classic, you'll want to download it (free) from that link and make it a priority. Not only will it teach you the concept, it will give you a very clear-cut action plan for mapping out your personal goals.
Once you know exactly what your goals are, defining your filters becomes easy. I use a very simple filter for every single "distraction" that comes my way:
Does this take me closer to my goal, or does it distract me from it?
I use this one filter to make every decision, no matter how large or small. From the friends I choose, the peers I associate with, the habits I make or break - you name it. It either contributes to the objective, or it doesnt. Period.
I am extremely disciplined with my filters and my focus. Every single nano-byte of information that I consume is intentional. If I turn on the television, I do it to watch something specific. I dont consume news every morning. I also dont read newspapers or magazines start to finish. If I were looking for a job (ha! just as example) I might pick up the paper to scan the job offers - and that's it.
That's not to say that I live a boring or micro-managed life, because I definitely enjoy my leisure time. I just do it all very deliberately. I have found the perfect balance that increases my productivity during working hours, and affords me plenty of time to live my life as well.
The point is to make a concious choice about the information you choose to consume. And this includes taking phone calls, answering your door, opening emails, clicking on links - basically anything that requires your time and attention.
Perhaps some of that might seem rude from the outside. But most of those 'distractions' dont have a vested interest in your goals. You can set clear boundaries for the people in your life - your friends, your children even - as to when you can give them your time & attention.
It is yours to give, after all. As you please.
My own goal is to make everything count. Whether its my personal life or professional, everything that I do is by choice. Set up your filters, define your boundaries, control your 'consumption'... and watch your life transform into exactly what you want it to be.
Best,
p.s. Be sure you download Think and Grow Rich. Even though I had already mapped out my own 10-year plan before I discovered this classic, it had a huge impact on my ability to keep the vision and follow-through on my goals.
You can get the PDF version free at that link, or download the audio version for only $29. I have both, and they top the list of what makes up my personal 'success library'.
About Lynn Terry
I think... hey look, a pony!
Seriously, I find having at least a light schedule helps to keep me focused. With two kids and a third on the way it's hard to focus for more than a short period, but a schedule of what I want to accomplish both short and long term can really help.
Nice post Lynn. Distraction used to be my enemy until it got to the point that I was doing everything else BUT what I was supposed to be working on...so now I break things down into small chunks and if I wanna email someone or listen to a CD or something similar I at least get one or two small chunks done first then move on to more chunks after my planned "distraction". Actually, I used to think that maybe I had ADD...and maybe I do, but I find I am distracted less and less now by what's around me as I focus on getting things done with smaller "bites". Thanks again and take care.
very nice post, Lynn. I struggle with distraction - but also realize that for me, it's a form of procrastination. Awareness is key - and acting on that awareness.
Thanks for sharing.
Nice post Lynn.
The way I handle distraction is to schedule in enough time for fun. If I know that I'm going to have a certain amount of time to do what I want to do, then I will be more likely to focus on doing what I HAVE to do.
Terrific information Lynn.
You are WISE beyond your years . . . Again you have hit the nail on the head.
I think that this is something I have to work on continually. To stay with my goals and my plan instead of going off in different directions whenever another "secret" is brought to market. "Reacting" instead of consciously acting and following through.
Loved this post.
Al Smith
Lynn,
Great post. You have mentioned so many things that we all (myself included) have struggled with or are struggling with right now.
I love the part about putting on your blinders and filtering out the noise.
Excellent stuff, Lynn. I think your focus is what impresses me the most.
I always seem to have so many projects going at once it's often difficult to choose. In the end, I only get things accomplished if I focus on the one thing that most urgently must be done and see it through to the end (recall Jack Palance's famous line from City Slickers).
So many rules we have to learn and unlearn.
what a refreshing approch to solving the problem of reaching the best way and to whom it will matter.
sorting and filtering is a key thing i get from your entry yes it makes sense as unless we have the idea that the certin person is interested or not we might not be able to make the right stratagy
Thanks
Lynn,
My biggest distractions are my kids. Do you have a link to some discussion on balance with toddlers? I hate turning the TV on for them so I can try and achieve something in the day IM wise. The mothers guilt is a constant stress and I really wonder how other mums fit IM in between the constant need for cups of water, food, and all the rest.
As I type Ethan is using my legs as a swing! lol
Wow, thats really inspiring stuff for me. I've just started working after university and what you're saying makes a lot of sense. Thanks for giving me some stuff to think about that might lead me to being more productive, that's always a good thing!
You know Lynn, my income tripled when I was made to focus due to long days stuck in a hospital. Planning things out really works.
A good post - as usual 🙂
I would add that it is worth reading the whole of "The Four-Hour Work Week" by Tim Ferris (from which Lynn quotes some of the ideas above) as it contains much more details.
Hee hee, I'm currently looking after six kids as my wife has just had #7, so being focused is a major issue right now. I'm trying to pack 573 jobs in before the kids come home, as well as handle a house full of builders (yeah I know, bad timing right?). This sure helps focus the mind!
Ta ra
Alan
Thanks for putting up such simple and scattered things in a perfect way..... I think when we achieve these things at a subconscious level then it really starts doing wonders......
Lynn, great post! Time is valuable, so our choices of how to invest it versus spend/waste it, is so important. Think and Grow Rich is a classic, which I plan to read over, and over, and over....
It all rings true! Great thoughts put into a great post.
Hi Lynn,
Wise words! Just being aware is everything.
When I'm on the computer I constantly ask myself, "How does this serve me?" to keep myself from wasting time surfing around. Just saying that sentence allows me to stay in the here and now and focus on what I want to accomplish.
I like your horse blinders analogy.
Thanks,
Peggy
Thanks for always encouraging -- and this post ceratinly is! I so agree that distractions detract from efficiency and our ability in hitting the mark. The challenge is remaining vigilant in protecting the vested interest of our goals, while actively growing, creating, producing a vital business in a dynamic marketplace. Seems almost daily, there is more and more to "filter out!"
Great Job as usual Lynn...
You have to get something done in your business to move forward, and you are so true about distractions... they will always be there and you have to avoid them until your business chores are done for the day.... and then you will see some action....
Roy Fielding
"Affiliate Marketer"
Great points; especially for those of us of who get sucked in distractions daily.
Ok...gotta go find those darn blinders. I think I packed them up sometime ago.
Hi Lynn,
I want to thank you for such an engaging, empowering, and timely post. This challenge of distraction has been at the forefront for me for the last 6 months. I, too, can relate to Glenys with the challenge of working effectively from home while meeting the needs of my two toddlers.
In the last few weeks I have been really devoting time to "clearing the decks" and getting very clear on my long-term vision and both long and short term goals. I agree - this is a critical step to begin to move out of the distraction trap.
I so appreciate you sharing your "one key filter" that you use to determine what to focus on and what to let go of . It seems so simple - yet it is so powerful. Thank you for the reminder.
I also appreciate your inclusion of the Think and Grow Rich link. I have read this book in the past and know the importance that it holds. I look forward to revisiting it via your link. Thank you again!
😉
Amy @amymiyamoto
Reading through all of your replies, there are some great nuggets there on how each of you deal with distraction and how you find your focus. Great stuff!
This is obviously a huge issue for people who work from home, and for those that run an online business. Distraction is always going to be a big part of that, period.
I do love the way Napoleon Hill teaches us to get a clear vision and to fall in love with that vision. It is obviously key to know what we want, before we can expect to have it.
That said, many of us - myself included - have competing priorities. The most obvious example for me is my career and my children. In many ways they go hand in hand ("lifestyle" comes to mind) - but in others they are a parallel and compete for my time & energy. In those cases, it takes a lot of discipline and focus.
Those things come from within, and require deliberate intent.
A couple of you asked for specific advice on working at home with young children. I started my business when our four kids were 5 months, 5, 5 and 8 years old (we were a blended family). I am now a single mother, and my two children are 12 & 17. As I'm typing this I have four teenagers in the house - I usually have a houseful (and love it!).
All that to say that I have over a decade of experience with various age ranges - with and without another adult in the house (to help or hinder - heh!). I offered my solutions in a very detailed post last year at:
http://www.clicknewz.com/857/working-at-home-with-kids/
Give that a read. I'd love to hear your thoughts - and what has worked for you.
Hi Lynn
Enjoyed this immensely probably my biggest fault at times staying focussed.
Quote "Does this take me closer to my goal, or does it distract me from it"?
Very good idea going to apply that today I'll let you know how I progress.
Thanks again
Have the best Ever day
Ian UK
Hi Lynn
Gee
I have Just been realising something it's sometimes hard to stay focused and so easy get distracted. I'm having to re think about my goals, I have goals admirable ones even, however the plan to get them realised was vague.
So obvious now why I'm distracted so easily "I don't know how I'm going to get where I want get to"
I departed on my journey but forgot the route planner.
Wanting to be a multi-millionaire IMer is a lovely idea and who of us doesn't want that.
To be an Olympic Gold medallist you have to win a few races before you are even considered to be good enough to enter the Olympics.
I after much thought I have realised that I need to set small attainable goals.
Broken down to small actions that that lead to the completion of the goal.
I've had to re think my timetable I have 15-20 hrs a per week spare (I'm imagining what you would achieve in that amount of time) so time I have.
I do like writing I discovered, but I also now realise its important what I write and dose it take me closer to my goal.
Sure I'm still going to have fun.
I have this statement printed up and getting it framed.
Does this take me closer to my goal, or does it distract me from it?
I re-worded to say this based on the 5 figure Monthly Income closing statement of your post.
This is printed out too ready for framing one either side of my Pc.
Ian
Is what you are doing right now, take you closer to your 3 figure monthly income, or is it distracting you from it?
Yes starting with 3 figure then 4 and so on.
p.s. This needs to be the year that you start earning 5-figures per month from Affiliate Marketing. Stay tuned, because next I am going to dig into an in-depth review of some of the best Affiliate Marketing guides on the ‘net.
http://www.clicknewz.com/1826/blogging-inspiration/
I am feeling better already I'm setting 30 minute work slots in my spare time and assigning tasks to them that must be done before I do anything else with the exception of click news I have aloud my self to read 1 post before I start and jot down anything for future use and absolutely no link clicking until After my tasks are completed.
Well That's it really so far.
Thank you
Ian UK
Lynn,
This is a really valuable post. I sometimes put on a timer in order to force myself to focus EXCLUSIVELY on one thing until the timer beeps. Knowing that in 60 minutes I can check my email and stats makes that hour of 'wearing blinders' that much more effective.