How To Eliminate Your Distractions
Eliminating distractions can be a challenge, but it's definitely achievable with some strategies and discipline.
I’ve written ten books.
Every day, someone asks me how because they want to write their own. I won’t bore you with anything other than the truth.
You have to create distraction-free spaces, you have to employ your discipline, and you have to be consistent. No matter what you want to do in life, you need to access those three pillars in order to live in alignment with the outcomes you seek.
Consistency
Discipline
Distraction-free spaces or time
I have kids, so I can’t ( Excuses )
“Oh but I have kids so that’s impossible.” Well, I empathize with you. I have kids, too. I get it. Everything is a game to them ( or is that just my son right now, ha!) They need attention. You need to nurture and love them, of course. That goes without saying. I want to acknowledge that every household is different, so I am not going to pretend to know your situation. I will say this: there are no acceptable excuses in life. You have to get done what has to get done. You must find a way.
Life with children is undoubtedly demanding. Their boundless energy and constant need for attention can make it feel like you barely have time to think, let alone pursue personal goals or dreams. But amid the chaos of parenthood lies an opportunity for growth, both for you and your children. It's not about finding time; it's about making time. It’s about setting the frame and being a leader of the household.
Perhaps it means waking up an hour earlier before the household stirs, or staying up a bit later after the children have gone to bed. Maybe it involves enlisting the help of a partner, friend, or family member to watch the kids for a brief period each day so you can focus on your tasks.
If that is saving money, going for walks, or doing a daily writing practice — you must do what you must do. These small, consistent efforts add up over time, leading to significant progress. And as you strive to achieve your own goals, you're setting a powerful example for your children.
Children learn best by observing the actions of those around them. If you demonstrate discipline, perseverance, and a commitment to personal growth, they will internalize these values and carry them into their own lives. You become their first and most influential teacher, shaping not only their behaviors but also their mindset and outlook on the world.
So, yes, parenting is challenging, but it's also immensely rewarding. It's about striking a balance between meeting your own needs and those of your children, understanding that your well-being is just as important as theirs. And remember, if you don’t show your kids discipline, who will? It starts with you, setting the tone for a lifetime of success and fulfillment.
Turn Off Your Phone ( Best Hack )
As the soft glow of dawn tiptoed through the curtains, I stirred from sleep with a singular intention: to write. I looked over at the clock, and it was 4:30 am; my son had walked into my room and cuddled up on the floor. Usually, he gets in the bed. I picked him up and placed him in the warm spot that I was occupying. I tucked him in like a little burrito. After adding another pillow to the said to make sure he doesn’t roll too much, I left the room. I padded into the kitchen, where the comforting aroma of freshly brewed coffee beckoned. I don’t drink coffee every day, and I don’t even finish every cup of coffee that I claim. Sometimes, I just love smelling it.
Sipping the rich, dark brew, I felt a surge of anticipation coursing through my veins. Today was the day I would immerse myself in creativity, weaving words into stories that danced across the page. My trust intention was to write before the house was making noise. There is nothing like writing in silence when you have had a night full of dreams. But first, I needed to prepare both mind and body for the task ahead. Yoga. There is nothing like starting the morning with yoga.
As I moved through each pose, I felt a sense of calm descending upon me, a quietude that whispered of possibility and promise. And then, with a final exhale, I rose to my feet, ready to seize the day.
But before I could take another step, my gaze fell upon the glowing screen of my phone, a beacon of distraction in the stillness of the morning. I was playing music from the phone to pair with my flow. With a decisive gesture, I reached out and powered it off, silencing the incessant hum of notifications and messages.
At that moment, I felt free as I disconnected from the world outside of me and went inward into my own thoughts, my own ideas, and, most importantly, into my own voice.
With a sense of purpose, I settled into the chair and opened a blank document, the cursor blinking expectantly against the white expanse. And as the first rays of sunlight filtered through the window, I began to write. Each keystroke was a step towards fulfillment, a testament to the power of intention and discipline. And yes, the coffee was good. I brought this brew back from Colombia.
In that quiet hour before the world awakened, I lost myself in the rhythm of my thoughts, allowing the words to flow freely from my fingertips. I imagine it’ll soon be time for me to hear noise and integrate myself into society. Fine, if I must. The hour alone, though, meant everything to me. It gave me a space to write, awaken, and make sure no excuses were created.
You must find a way.
You must find a way.
You must find a way.
Here are some practical steps to eliminate distractions:
1. Identify Your Distractions: Recognize what specifically distracts you. It could be your phone, social media, noisy environment, or even internal thoughts.
2. Create a Distraction-Free Environment: Designate a specific area for work or study that is free from distractions. This might mean finding a quiet space, using noise-canceling headphones, or even using website blockers to prevent access to distracting sites.
3. Set Clear Goals: Define what you need to accomplish and set specific, achievable goals. This helps you stay focused and provides a sense of direction.
4. Prioritize Tasks: Organize your tasks based on their importance and urgency. Focus on completing high-priority tasks first to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
5. Use Time Management Techniques: Techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, where you work for a set amount of time and then take a short break, can help maintain focus and productivity.
6. Limit Multitasking: Multitasking can actually reduce productivity and increase distractions. Focus on one task at a time to improve efficiency.
7. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques, such as meditation or deep breathing exercises, can help train your brain to stay present and focused on the task at hand.
8. Take Regular Breaks: Breaks are important for maintaining focus and preventing burnout. Schedule short breaks to recharge and refresh your mind.
9. Establish Boundaries: Set boundaries with yourself and others to minimize distractions. Communicate your need for uninterrupted time during certain periods.
10. Reflect and Adjust: Regularly evaluate your progress and identify any recurring distractions. Adjust your strategies accordingly to improve your focus over time.
Remember, eliminating distractions is a process that requires practice and patience. Start with small changes and gradually build on them to create a more focused and productive environment.
with love,
Sylvester McNutt III
P.S. I would be a jerk if I didn’t share with you my favorite music for staying distraction-free. I listen to this every single day when I need to focus. I’m listening to it right now as I type to you. My tenth book, Live the Life You Deserve, is HERE. Pre-order at sylvestermcnutt.net
To go deeper into your journey I can support you, join my community, Mastery Circle.
As a self-mastery coach, keynote speaker, and self-mastery coach, I believe this is one of my favorite spaces to host, show up in, and create space for others. What I represent as a coach is that voice in your head that says "I can do this".” My voice mirrors the warrior in you, the part of you that can't give up, the part of you who wants to create and attract everything you deserve.
I believe in WHOLENESS, and my approach here is to talk about all things that make you whole: your relationships, your energy, your goals, your actions, and how you are showing up in each space. I call you forward into your greatness. I will not settle for your excuses, and I have hundreds of practical and simple frameworks that will help you live in alignment with the life you want.
This community has genuine love in it, and people who support one another are humble and compassionately walking through life. We discuss relationships, money, boundaries, mindset, healing, fun, and, most importantly, community and how we show up in our lives.
When You join Mastery Circle, you get access to ALL of the chats, hundreds of hours of content in the archive, you get access to my most popular courses that teach the frameworks for boundaries and people-pleasing, you get to join the private group community on Whatsapp, and you get to access our live calls that occur every Saturday at 9 am MST.
Join Mastery Circle, and let’s get you the community, love, support, coaching, guidance, and ENERGY you need to Live The Life You Deserve.