The other day I was getting supplies for my fitness studio at Costco and I noticed something.  People were shopping but once they had a beep, chime or buzz from their pocket or purse they stopped what they were doing to check the notification.  Cell phones are a distraction…not the real reason to have a cell phone which was originally used for phone calls.  Due to the constant alerts, notifications and messages on smart phones, people are losing the ability to FOCUS and are increasingly DISTRACTED.

I know I am easily distracted and get side tracked… so what is the solution?  My solution is to dis-able all notifications, alerts and updates on my smart phone screen.  I do not have any sounds except if I turn on my ringer.  I do not have updates from Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other networking social media sites when people make a comment or mention my name.

My goal is to FOCUS on responding to emails when I am at my computer.  I don’t look at social media unless I “click” on the app and check in on posts or updates.  I could do without most social media but due to my books, The WHOLESTIC Method business, building my new online brand, my blog and podcast- I need to go on to social media sites and interact as well as post each day.

BUT do we really need to have our notifiications on all day long?  WHY do we need to have all of the chimes and whistles on our smart phones, tablets and computers?  They are just DISTRACTIONS and are creating havoc to our brain.  Don’t you feel more “ADD” these days?  Are you on your computer doing ten things at once?  Do you feel that you open an email then go to respond but then look up a website then end up on another site -not even finishing your original task?

The challenge is leave you with today…

• FOCUS on one thing.
• Eliminate the distractions by disabling your notifications and alerts on your phone.
• Stop to respond to a text when walking
• Don’t drive and check your messages or updates.
• Respond to emails on your computer when you are focused on reading and responding correctly
• Schedule time each day for your emails, social media and updates.
• Enjoy your vacations and workouts- be present.
• Take pictures if needed then post later at an appropriate time.
• Be in the moment and focus on people you are with!
• When with people as at a meal or party…avoid checking your phone and updates if possible.

What are some other suggestions to help us avoid being distracted and improve our ability to focus?

Let me know!

The WHOLESTIC Method Coach,

Debbie Potts