Embracing Squirrels

Embracing Squirrels –       

Squirrel!!!! I am sure many of you have seen the Movie “UP”?  For those of you who haven’t seen the movie …. it’s an animated comedy. In it, there is a talking dog. The Dog is easily distracted by rodents, and you know this because mid-sentence he’ll yell “Squirrel”.

I believe we all have these “Squirrel” moments where we are suddenly and completely distracted from what we are trying to accomplish.

I have always really struggled with staying focused. I have always been unable to read just one book at a time. I cannot watch a TV without holding the remote because I am compelled to change channels during commercials. My wife calls me a “Fid-git”….. I do not find relaxing to be relaxing….. I am constantly dealing with My “squirrels”

Over the years, I’ve gone from being frustrated with these distractions… to just managing them … and now sometimes I Embrace them!

Yes… I embrace my Squirrels and Here’s How: 

Squirrels:

1.           Keep A Todo List

2.           Set Time Boxes

3.           Schedule Naps 

(1)         Keep a Todo List to track what you need to get done.

ü  This can be as simple as a notebook or as complex as a detailed spreadsheet.

ü  The key is to keep it handy so when a Squirrel jumps in your face … Squirrel… you can jot it down for later.

(2)         I Set Time Boxes to stay focused on an activity. I use the alarm on your phone.

ü  I Simply set “time boxes” … of 45-60 minutes…

ü  The point is to Focus on one activity and not be constantly distracted wondering what else you are supposed to be doing. 

ü  You know you can allow yourself to focus until that alarm sounds.

·                For instance, I set a 60 minute timebox to cleanup my Work inbox

·                Then I set 45 minutes for my personal email boxes … I don’t know about you but I have several

·                Then I set 60 minute to write my Squirrel Blog Post  … etc

ü  What’s key is that you know you can focus, you don’t need to watch the clock (an alarm will sound) and you know you’ve planned this so there shouldn’t need to be any self-distraction

·                Outside distractions are always possible but you manage on an emergent basis

(3)         Now let’s talk about Scheduling Naps -…. And other activities that you need or enjoy.

I am not kidding about this! Your brain needs a break! Not everyone works from home and has the luxury of going to their bedroom for 20 minutes closing the door and turning off the lights… I know that…. but…. Rather than cleaning out your email on the train home at night, could you close your eyes and meditate for 20 minutes? Could you go to the parking lot and spend 20 minutes listening to soothing music? Or maybe in the park during lunch…

ü  You need to schedule time for your brain to relax 

ü  Schedule Facebook time,

ü  Schedule the Gym,

ü  Schedule walks,

ü  Schedule a phone call with a friend,

ü  Schedule breaks and yes Schedule Naps!!! 

The idea is to remove your anxiousness about being distracted by these things by including them in your plan.

Embrace your squirrels! … When one appears “Squirrel!!!” put it on your calendar or your to-do list

When the squirrels get to be too much to handle… let them play….

Have you ever had the experience of reading a book and you realize you weren’t paying attention to the past page … or even chapter? Your mind was wandering, and you were just reading words.

In these cases, you have become TOO distracted, and you should move on to something else.

The key is to move on to another productive activity. But that takes preparation. 

(Example… let’s say I am studying for an exam. I’m reading a book and I find my mind wandering….. Maybe I change to doing some flashcards for a while or researching the topic on the internet… my Todo list helps me with this.

Accept and embrace that you will be distracted, and you will be Multitasking!

If there’s an action item that pops into your head… jot it down

If you want to call a friend, schedule it.

If you need a nap…   find a timebox later in the day where you can do that.

Stop battling your squirrels and instead Embrace them!