The Distraction DilemmaSample

The Art of Intentional Living

So how do we resolve our distraction dilemma? Am I the only one with this problem? Are the rest of you totally focused and able to accomplish all your priorities each day? Here are a few helpful steps you can take toward less distractions and more intentional living.

1) Start each day aligning with our God, our priorities and our purposes. Maybe even start this at bedtime, the night before. Consider writing down those items that simply MUST get accomplished. From there we need to act with conviction and intention, limiting distractions and diversions. This takes intentionality in thinking through your daily choices. The more we are aware of this dilemma the more we can manage it. Invite the Holy Spirit into this process and ask the Spirit to lead, guide and direct your days. Seek His wisdom. Your days are fleeting. Let’s be intentional, yet flexible!

2) Consider fasting from technology and social media for a time period. You may even need to announce to others that you are doing so. The "advancement" of social media can imprison all of us in a distracted life. This downtime can aid us in reevaluating and reprioritizing our lives. After we spent some time limiting TV and social media, we come to realize just what a distraction they actually were. Not only can social media infringe on our schedule, it can even define who we are. In truth, our souls just need a break from the constant bombardment of information that often lead to comparisons and negativity. Should you even consider, on a Saturday or Sunday, handing your cellphone, and other devices, over to a friend or loved-one? Take a deep breath. Read a book. Go for a walk. Reflect on who you are and who you want to be… especially when no one is watching. Limiting TV/social media distractions can help you reframe your choices. We need to think differently about our devices so that we can live differently and less distracted.

3) Be vigilant about identifying and eliminating other “time wasters.” Stop and consider where you are losing precious time to irrelevant or unimportant things. Consider logging your time for a period. Notice time wasters that infringe on your productivity and priorities. Could you limit phone calls to shorter conversations? Could you multitask a few items together to save valuable time?

Consider the wisdom of evaluating your life in terms of true distractions. Life is not a dress rehearsal. You don’t get a do over. Live intentionally and less distracted.

Ponder:

What time wasters could I eliminate that don’t bring a rich value exchange for my time today? How can I live more intentionally?

Prayer:

Lord, I know that each day is a gift. Let me live each day intentionally. I don’t want to live so distracted that I miss your best for my life. I need you, Lord!

Final Note: Roxanne's passion is to speak life-giving truths into the hearts of others. She loves to speak at retreats and conventions. She hosts her own DEEPER Intensive workshops and works with clients nationwide as a personal life coach. You can get more information at RoxanneParks.com