I’m always so distracted.
I hear this a lot.
Let me ask you something… WHY are you so distracted?
Distraction is the status quo in our culture, a badge we wear to convince others we’re normal. We complain about it. Worst of all, we act helpless toward our distraction.
You are not a helpless captive to your distraction. You have a choice, my friend. You can become laser-focused.
In his incredible book The War of Art Steven Pressfield calls anything that gets in the way of doing what you’re designed to do “resistance”. Your struggles, distractions, stress, addictions, fears and underlying attitudes are pushing against your desire to create. No one is exempt. Everyone has perpetual distractions- some just choose to resist.
Want to fight your distractions and create beautiful things? Start here.
Clearly define your mission. We create for all kinds of reasons, but the best creativity flows from our passion. Our hearts are wired to create things that are beautiful and benefit others. When your creativity flows from your personal mission you will keep creating out of that passion.
Answer this: Why must you create?
Define your perpetual distractions. Make a list of the things that continually distract you from doing what you’re designed to do. Make a plan to fight them. For me, email is a continual gremlin nipping at my heels. I have chosen to separate my email accounts with different objectives, and I disable wireless on my computer whenever I write so I can focus on the work.
Answer this: What distractions are eating your creativity?
Define your creative objectives. Make a very short list of what you are trying to create and a deadline for each. The old adage “when you fail to plan you plan to fail” is never more true than in your creative work. Focus on finishing the first item on the list. There is no substitute for hard work, but make sure it is focused work.
Answer this: What 1-3 things are you trying to accomplish?
Allocate time and energy to accomplish these objectives. Count the cost. You will need to stop doing some things in this season so you can focus on your creative objectives.
Answer this: What will you say “no” to? How much concerted effort will this take?
Find a weekly time to create. I write for three hours a week, storing up the goodness all week to flow onto paper in one stint. It’s what I have to do so writing doesn’t slip out of my schedule. If you don’t dedicate a weekly time to creating you will likely quit. Creativity is a process- not an occasional moment of inspiration.
Answer this: What block/s of time each week will dedicate to creating?
If this strikes a chord with you I’ve created a blueprint to start creating and keep creating that would be a great next step. Download “7 Steps to Launching your big idea”.