Do you ever feel like it’s all too much? Every Thursday, I share one action, habit, or project you may want to undertake in order to improve your health, happiness, and sense of well-being.

PROJECT OF THE WEEK

How Keeping a "Distraction List" Can Help

At Happy Spaces, we talk a lot about the value of setting up systems and structures to support your focus.

But what should you do when your brain wanders off with an amazing idea or an important to-do item?

As I see it, there are 3 options:

You can try to ignore it. -- Don't be surprised if your brain keeps coming back to your "brilliant" idea and you struggle to regain your focus.
You can let yourself engage in some "research" for a limited amount of time. -- Don't be surprised if you struggle to stop your "research" at the time you set and refocus on your less interesting, but more important task.
You can write down your brilliant idea on your Distraction List.

Getting Started

What is a Distraction List & how does it work?

A "Distraction List" is a pad of paper that you keep next to you and use to write down items that pop into your head as you are focusing on a separate task.

It really is as simple as designating one pad of paper to be your Distraction List. Keep this notepad out and visible on your desk or workspace.

When you are working on a task and an idea or action related to another task pops into your head, write it down on your Distraction List.

This action allows your brain to trust that you will not forget about it and refocus on your current task.

In my experience, there are two types of common distractions. One type is the long list of to-do's that pop into your head, such as needing to call in a request for a refill on your prescription or making time to get your flu shot. These items should simply be added to the corresponding list in your List App.

The other common distractions are ideas that seem both brilliant and more fun than the task at hand. It could be an idea to start a local women's mastermind group or to install window seats as radiator covers. (These are just two of the ideas that popped into my head while writing this.) While these ideas may have a lot of value, I often find that they are a creative procrastination tool that your brain uses to attempt to convince you to stop your current task and switch to something more fun and enticing. While it is still important to incorporate these ideas into your List App, so that your brain feels it can let it go, you may also want to allow yourself to do some research on these ideas as a break during the day. For most of us, It's a lot easier to end a break researching how to build window seats than to end a break on TikTok or YouTube.

How does keeping a "Distraction List" help?

We have discussed the value of focused time blocks, which can range from 25 to 90 minutes, as a great strategy for focusing and accomplishing what's important.

Using a Distraction List should support you in minimizing internal distractions. I don't know anyone whose brain does not wander; the key is finding tools to help you regain your focus.

Is this a tool that you are already using? I would love to hear how it has helped!

Happy Spaces Tips & Tricks

Pick a notepad that is fun to use or has a special meaning to you. A few years ago, I received a notepad as a gift that says "Probably Not Today" at the top. It is the perfect pad for this.

Your Distraction List should not be an ongoing list. Either at the end of your "Time Block" or at the end of your "Workday", add everything from this list to your main List App.

One additional use for your Distraction List.

It is not uncommon that you may be working on some tasks while waiting for a phone call or an important email. Another great use for the "Distraction List" is to write down what you are working on, right before switching tasks, such as answering the phone or clicking on an email. This will allow you to remember what you were doing, prior to switching tasks, and will help you refocus quicker.

Feeling Overwhelmed?

We understand how challenging and scary it can be to start something new. If you feel excited about implementing this strategy, but worry that it’s just too much to start on your own, the It’s All in the Planning Started Pak was designed for you!

get started

A Note from Happy Spaces

The goal is to add value to your life. If you think this project will add value:

Estimate how long you think it will take. I would recommend doubling the time you estimate.
Look at your calendar over the next week and pick a date and time to get started.
Make an appointment on your calendar for the estimated time.
If you estimate that completing this project will take longer than one hour, I recommend doing it over multiple days. This will support you in getting started!
Prior to starting this project, take a few minutes to make a step-by-step list of EVERY action you need to take to complete this project.
It's not all or nothing. You can choose to implement only the parts of this project that add value to your life.
An Accountability Partner can be a great support in following through on your goals and commitments.

We understand how challenging it can be to implement new habits and systems. For additional support please go to HappySpacesBySarah.com.

Creating a life you don't need a vacation from! ®

Sincerely,

Sarah Weingarten

Meet Sarah

Growing up as the oldest of nine siblings in Upstate New York, I learned to use organization to create sanity among the chaos. Today, I work together with individuals, families, and small businesses to create habits, systems, and spaces that support their needs, goals, and dreams. Clients often refer to our work together as "life-changing" and "better than decades of therapy". What I love most about my work is the lasting impact it has on real people's lives. Nothing makes me happier than hearing the many success stories of clients I have worked with.

How Keeping a "Distraction List" Can Help