It’s funny how when I look back, I realize that the things that irked me the most are now the very same things I’m grateful for. Take for example my experience of living in crowded areas in Manila, Philippines. I grew up in a neighborhood where there were many kids playing on the streets in the afternoon. In my college days, I stayed in 3 boarding houses where there were 8-9 ladies in a room and we slept in bunk beds.
In those years, there was something constant: distraction.
I’m thankful for those years I was surrounded by distractions because I’m now able to leverage on that for my digital business. Focus and energy are the cornerstones of my work. It’s because of these two that I’m able to manage my monthly projects effectively, learn strategies, and attend to my personal needs.
Of course everyone’s focus is different and it may take trial and error to determine how we can best deal with distractions and use our resources wisely. Here’s my friendly approach towards focus and energy and I hope you can learn a thing or two from these!
Reminders As You Start Your Day
🎐Practice self-compassion
In today’s fast paced-world, our days are filled with stimuli. Some of these are great opportunities for something worthwhile, while some are disguised as distractions.
What I learned in one of the mindfulness meditation sessions I attended is that our mind is designed to wander. It’s normal to get sidetracked so don’t beat yourself up. Just gently bring it back to where you want to focus.
In my case, I love Instagram and its power to inspire me, especially with travel. To make the wander worth my while, I allow myself 15 minutes of browsing through the feed and when I see something that motivates me, I send the content to my inbox. Later in the week, when I do my decluttering, I check my inbox for the content I’ve saved up in the entire week. I take down notes and then I delete the content.
Practice self-compassion because these distractions are something that we are exposed to everyday anyway. There’s no way to completely eliminate them and it’s not always possible to maintain perfect focus.
These are 2 statements that I remind myself in the morning before I start my work.
“I’m making progress and I’m working on my clients’ accounts today.”
“I’m focusing, achieving, and celebrating.”
In the middle of the day, I indulge in watching Ghibli Anime for a good 20 minutes to celebrate the milestones I’ve achieved in the morning. Then, I somehow feel light and happy going back to work in the afternoon.
Take note that there’s a healthier and gentler way of managing distractions.
🎐 Set a Positive Intention for the Day
When I’m sure of my intention for the day, I feel that I’ve already conquered it even at the onset. Why? One, it’s going to direct my efforts within the day. Yes, I might allow myself some distractions along the way, but I can bring myself back to the intention again. Second, it improves mood for the long day ahead knowing that I will be able to accomplish certain projects or tasks.
My intention for the day are on the following:
- Gratitude
I say thank you to the supreme being for all the things that I did not ask for, yet I received. I thank Him for granting me what I desire and blessing me with those I don’t even deserve to get.
- Focus
I don’t maintain multiple tabs in my online browser. I open those that I need for the current work that I’m doing and nothing else and yes, this means no social media sites for that time being.
I also play metal chime music on the side as it helps me a lot. The repetitive sound has a specific uplifting effect on me (try it!).
- Productivity
I make a list of what I need to work on and batch it in the morning and afternoon. I use the task feature of Gmail so I can easily see it and tick the tasks when I’m done.
- Well being
One thing I’d like to enjoy while working on my digital business is peace of mind. Of course, earning money and more money is important to me. However, if this means I won’t have time to journal, watch Netflix, go outside, or do what I like for my well being, then I won’t be able to produce more work.
My intention at the beginning of my day is I will work on projects for my clients without sacrificing my well being.
- Movement
I need to engage in physical activity every day for my energy. If the weather is fine, I do take the time to go to the jogging track in our area and walk 3,000 – 4,000 steps. Most of the time, I just walk up and down the house and I manage 4,000 – 5,000 steps. I also do some stretching and basic flexibility exercises.
I’m not very intense on a rigid workout, but I make sure to move every day no matter what.
Systems within the Day
One of the learnings I got from James Clear’s Atomic Habits book is the importance of having a system. These processes and routines could lead us to consistent progress. If we have a system in place, we will find our work enjoyable and sustainable.
Honestly, it took me years to craft and modify my systems of carrying out my digital business. I made them in such a way that they are aligned with the identity I’m becoming and they are matched with the lifestyle I’m creating.
🎐Make Templates
Having templates saved me a lot of time and headaches!
I started by streamlining repetitive tasks so that I don’t need to start from scratch each time. I made templates of my client service agreement, report, invoice, cold email, email replies, portfolio, cover letter, with minimal branding.
As I handled more and more clients, I found it easier to just replicate my templates. The time and energy I manage to save is used for the more important aspects of the business.
🎐Declutter
I can’t stress this enough because this has been a game changer for me. As I was approaching my 40s, I just became more minimalistic. I’m not sure what triggered this, but I’m thankful for the shift in perspective.
My end-of-the-day activity consists of getting my email inbox to zero, deleting downloads and desktop files, removing messages on social media sites, sms, and Whatsapp, and clearing my office desk.
🎐Compartmentalize
In one of our visits to an elephant sanctuary here in Sri Lanka, in The Udawalawe Elephant TransitHome, I had this sort of enlightenment from the way the elephants behaved.
They knew what time to wait outside the entrance gate. They queued up in pairs and they moved systematically from one station to another. There’s a station for drinking milk, a spot for grazing on grasses, an area for bathing in mud or water, a space for socializing with other elephants, and a place for resting.
It amazed me how organized and single-minded elephants are!
From then on, I began to apply the same work ethics in my business. I batch my work according to the similarity in tasks and tools. I specify time blocks for each of the tasks that I batch.
I used to multitask and handle several projects when I was younger. Now, I just love compartmentalizing things because it’s less stressful! I just find it more productive to spend all my time and energy on one thing and then move to the next in line. I feel more in control of my day and I can tap into my creativity more fully.
End-of-Day Rituals
🎐Close on a Good Note
Whatever happens within my day, I always close it with a good note and try to ease into a great evening no matter what.
As I’ve grown older, I have become kinder and more forgiving to myself. I always remind myself that I’m a work in progress and I just love how I’m evolving. It may be slow, but it’s steady, nonetheless.
My shutting down ritual involves mellow music, mild coffee, sunset, incense. I just feel calmer when I get to enjoy these 4 in the early evening!
My favorite songs to listen to are Life Goes On by BTS and Heart Flutter by Dori. Check them out and try! As for incense, I love jasmine and lavender scents.
🎐Have a positive self-talk
There’s no one else in the room who will be prouder of myself than me. I’m the first to congratulate myself for a productive day. I pat myself on the back and I affirm all the great skills I have.
When I talk to myself positively, I notice that it reinforces my self-belief. Because of this, I trust my efforts and I continue to strive more. I’m more content on how I consume my time within the day. I feel fulfilled because I get to deliver quality work to my clients and take care of my personal needs as well.
Benefits of Distractions
Distractions are not necessarily a bad thing and what I realize over the years is that they can bring forth good things. When I acknowledged the distractions I allow at work and in my life, it compelled me to improve my mindset, habits, and lifestyle.
Distractions can be beneficial in moderation. The bottomline is striking that balance where you’re able to manage them well. Get sidetracked, but do it to have breaks. Allow minimal distractions to spark creativity. Have distractions but don’t forget your limits.
Use distractions strategically.
What did you find most helpful in this article? What challenges have you faced in managing your focus and energy? Share in the comment section!
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