The Solution Is Easier Than You Think

You’re no stranger to distractions.

There are the usual suspects like email, texts, rings, dings, and chirps.

But there are also the people.

The people you work with, the people in your company, the people in your family. The people.

They don’t mean harm (I think!) but their constant interruptions throw you off focus and potentially into the rabbit hole of their needs.

A couple of my faves:

“Do you have a minute?”

Or…

“Can I bother you for a sec?”

I mean who’s going to say “No. I don’t have one second in my life. Scram!”

Not you. You’re helpful. You’re collaborative.  And you’re not a douchebag.

Buuuuutttt…you know all too well that these tiny interruptions have a big impact on your ability to get things done.

A simple “minute” or “sec” leads to an eighteen-minute conversation and six more to-dos on your list.

While what you were originally working on takes a back seat until “later” (and who knows when you’ll find the time for that).

I hear about similar situations all the time.

In a training this week I was asked what to do when you work in an open space surrounded by loud conversations.

On a coaching call, my client was wondering what to do when her team members ask if they can “run something by her” right smack in the middle of her work.

My son just mentioned that his friend keeps FaceTiming while he’s trying to study, and he doesn’t know how to make him stop.

To all of these, I have ONE solution.

And it’s probably much easier than you think.

Tell the truth.

Yup, just like mom and dad always said: “Honesty is the best policy.”

There’s nothing like a dose of good ole’ honest communication to take control of people distractions.

Here are the two messages you want to include when you’re communicating honestly.

#1: Why staying focused is important to you.

#2: Why staying focused is important to them.

Here’s what that might sound like:

• “Hey, since we’re in an open space sometimes when you’re talking to {insert name of colleauge} I can’t focus and I fall behind on my stuff. And then I’m cranky because I can’t get out of here on time! Would you mind keeping it down or maybe have your long conversations in the break room? I’ll be much nicer to you if I can get out before 5 o’clock!”

Or…

• “Actually I barely have a {minute/second} because I’m under a tight deadline and I have to focus. If I’m late my {boss/wife/colleage} might {fire me/divorce me/hate me}. 😉  Would it be okay if we talked about this {later today/this afternoon/a time when we’re both free}? That way, I’ll be way less stressed and can completely focus on what you need.”

Or…

• “I’d love to {help you/look at that/work with you} but I’ve been having a hard time focusing lately and I’m trying my best to get better at it. Unless this is absolutely urgent, could we talk about this {later today/this afternoon/a time when we’re both free}? That way, I can give you my full attention.”

Or… (in my son’s case)…

• “Dude, I have so much studying to do and I’ve got to ace this test or I’m not making Honor Roll. Can you please stop buzzing in so I can finish faster? I’ll let you know when I’m done so we can {talk/play video games/make fart sounds} the rest of the night. Cool?”

Honesty is the best policy.

State why it’s important to you followed by the benefit to them.

Keeping it light-hearted doesn’t hurt either.

All the project management and time-keeping tools in the world won’t be as effective as having an honest and positive conversation.

These conversations aren’t difficult, but they generally don’t roll off your tongue either.

Which is why it will take some practice.

Practice with your spouse, friend, or mom – so when the time comes you’re not tongue-tied and simply accepting the interruption again (cursing yourself inside!)

By the way, these types of challenges all stem from a lack of boundaries.

Boundaries are the #1 issue my clients deal with (even when they come in thinking it’s something else – this is what’s holding back their success).

If you feel anxious or guilty about setting boundaries, remember, you suffer when you’re unhappy and so do others.

Once you get practice setting boundaries, you feel empowered and have less anxiety, resentment, and guilt.

You receive more respect from others and your relationships improve.

It also shows your boss, clients, and colleagues that you have a backbone and that you respect your time.

Do you feel like you struggle with setting boundaries? Is there one you’re afraid to implement right now? What’s one small step you can take to do it anyway?

If this is a chronic issue for you then talking this through could be a major turning point for your life and/or career.

Let’s chat about your situation and how you could change it. Seriously, leave a comment below to connect or email me at mridu@lifeisorganized.com.

I won’t offer you anything that’s not aligned with your needs. Because my parents taught me right too. Honesty really is the best policy.

To your endless success,

XO
Mridu