Distractions abound in our world today. Even as I sit here trying to write, I suddenly see things around me that I hadn’t noticed before–the mess of chords on the ground nearby (I should really clean that up a bit, shouldn’t I?), the stack of movies I still haven’t put away (they have been in that corner near the movie shelves for weeks), and two baby towels on the floor that the kids used for the pool all summer (it’s been too cold to get in the pool for about three weeks now). Of course, those are things I have allowed to distract me because I feel like my writing is not good enough and am thus trying to avoid the task.
Countless other distractions exist. They come in the form of phones, computers, games, food, and well, just about anything. But so often we focus on these distractions because we are afraid. Afraid of failing, afraid of not doing good enough (that is, of course, a subjective measurement), and perhaps afraid of wasting time or money or both.
Sometimes I ask myself why I am writing this blog. I love writing–have always loved writing–but I know that there are many other blogs out there much more polished and well-written than mine. I question if anyone is reading these posts and if anyone is gaining even a sliver of encouragement or appreciation when they read my blog. I wonder if I might ever be lucky enough to make some money off this blog.
In those moments of questioning and doubts, I often actively turn to distractions. Or I at least let myself get pulled away by them. I find things to fill up the moments when I could be writing.
But I also always push back. And I think the reason I push back is because I know that despite all my doubts and fears, I love writing. I would love to have people read this blog and find it helpful. I would love to receive good reviews. I would love to make money from this blog. But even if none of that happens, I still love writing and I still know the core purpose for this blog: to uncover and explore areas of growth for myself, and in the process, share the journey to a better self with others.
I guess what I am saying is this: in the moments that you find yourself caught up in too many distractions, ask yourself what is driving you to these things. Often, we turn to devices or food or even busy work to keep from being alone with ourselves and our fears.
We have to be willing to sometimes put down the distraction and look our fears dead in the eye. Only then can we know what to do with it.
Maybe you are afraid to apply for a new job because it is in a different state but you use distractions like lots of evening television and reading to keep you from revising your resume.
Maybe you don’t want to ask that guy out because he might reject you so you use distractions like going out with friends to make you think you are already fulfilled with your social life
Maybe you don’t want to take that drawing class because you think everyone will laugh at your stick figures so use distractions like home renovations to convince yourself that you don’t have the time to take classes.
Sometimes our fears are valid and tell us important and useful information. You might be afraid to say yes to that two-day, twelve-thousand-foot hike that three of your friends are doing next week because you know you are out of shape and have a bad knee. But you also might be afraid to go to a business mixer simply because you are shy, even though you know this could open new opportunities for your career.
Don’t allow distractions–even useful distractions (like reading or home renovations or time with friends)–to squeeze out time for the most valuable, but often most scary, things in your life.
Set aside the distraction for a moment. Do the hard thing, the scary thing, the risky thing. Your future self will thank you.
