Identifying, Reducing and Eliminating Distractions to Increase Productivity and Presence

Praxis Podcast with Rhett Smith

"How do you get so much stuff done?"

That's one of the questions that I get quite a bit. Sometimes the comment comes from colleagues who wonder how I have a busy practice and still find time to write, blog, podcast, speak, teach, train for a 50 mile run, etc. And sometimes it comes from family members who wonder how I balance out all the things I do in my work, personal and family life. Though it's encouraging to hear those comments and think that I accomplish a lot, the truth is...I always feel like I'm behind. I always feel like I'm not doing enough. And I always feel like I could be less distracted, more disciplined, and productive.

But maybe that's more of my own issues coming up that I will have to work through with my therapist anyways. But the question is posed to me enough times that I have recently begun to reflect more on it. And I started wondering, "How do I get all the things done that others are seeing." And so for the last couple of weeks I have been reflecting on that question and wanted to share with you some of my insights. A lot of what I share in the podcast is probably not totally new to you. It's not earth shattering insight. Rather, it's what has helped me on this journey to clear distractions and focus on what is really important to me. And at the end of the day, productivity is not just about doing more, it's about creating the things I want to do...and if I'm constantly distracted and unfocused, I just won't be able to do those things.

In this episode I explore:

• the cost of distractions in our lives and how long it takes to regain focus.
• getting rid of cable TV and how that changed everything.
• eliminating news, sports and social media apps from my phone.
• some key ways to rearrange apps on your phone to maximize focus and cut down on mindless distractions.
• eliminating notifications on your computer and phone.
• how I am using the reading of longer and deeper works of writing to help me rewire my brain to achieve more focus.

iTunes -- Stitcher

Player FM -- Libsyn

Resources Mentioned in This Episode

How Long It Takes to Get Back on Track After a Distraction

The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoyevsky

Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoyevsky