Let’s talk numbers for a second. On average, the leaders I work with get around 150 emails a day. Now, if we break that down, it means a potential interruption every three minutes. And that doesn’t even count people popping in or other distractions.
But is that really the biggest problem?
Bonjour. In this video, I want to share one simple tactic that can help you improve focus and, ultimately, your productivity.
I’m in the beautiful Fiji! It’s just a short 3.5-hour flight from Sydney, and wow, I can’t believe it took TK and me 23 years to discover this place. We thought it would be overrun with tourists, but it’s pure magic. The clear blue waters, the coral, the fish—it’s like another world beneath the sea. And the people? Absolutely lovely. Everywhere you go, you’re greeted with “Bula!”—a heartfelt welcome.
Anyway, it’s morning here, and I’m starting my day with a bit of meditation. I do this mindfulness exercise where I focus on my breathing—just being present with each breath in and out, letting go of any thoughts that try to distract me. And I’ll be honest—it’s tough! There are always ideas popping up, vying for my attention.
But that brings me to my point: when I speak with leaders, they often tell me their biggest challenge is external distractions—emails, meetings, messages from colleagues, or new tools they have to use. But over the years, I’ve learned that the real problem isn’t out there. It’s within us. The biggest thing breaking our concentration isn’t other people; it’s our own thoughts and tendencies to pull ourselves away from what we’re doing.
Here’s something that really clicked for me: distraction is just a way to avoid discomfort.
Think about it. You’re answering an email, and suddenly you realise it’s going to take a bit more thought to respond. That discomfort kicks in, and the next thing you know, you’re checking social media or refreshing your inbox. Or maybe you’re tackling a big project, and it starts getting hard—so you look for an excuse to stop.
Sound familiar?
Here are two simple tips to combat this:
1. Be Honest with Yourself
When you notice yourself getting distracted, just pause and be honest. Acknowledge that you’re trying to avoid discomfort. Admit it to yourself: “This task is hard, and I’m tempted to distract myself.” Sometimes, just recognising what’s happening can help you resist the urge to escape.
2. Let the Distraction Go
Picture the distraction like a leaf floating on a stream (maybe not the ocean like here in Fiji, because it’s so calm, but a gentle stream!). When a thought or distraction comes up, place it on that leaf, let it float away, and refocus on what you’re doing. It’s such a simple technique, but it really works.
This is this week’s Work Smarter: Live Better tip. It is all about staying aware of your distractions and understanding that they often come from wanting to avoid discomfort.
So, my question to you is: Are you aware of when you’re trying to escape discomfort? And if so, what can you do to push through it?
Now, I’m off to enjoy more of this beautiful island—definitely no escaping discomfort here! We’ve got some amazing snorkeling lined up for later today, and I can’t wait.
Have a lovely day!
A bientôt,
Cyril
