It’s summer and I have summer things on my mind.
Bonfires, camping, the beach, music festivals. picnics, road trips with friends… You get the idea.
Today I was working away, attempting to “get things done,” as we’re all focused on productivity these days, and I just kept getting distracted. Distracted by invitations, phone calls, cars driving by with windows down, music blaring, people streaming by on their way to the pool.
I’ve been working on writing this post for two days and my mind just kept drifting. I couldn’t think of anything to write.
All and all it wasn’t a very productive day.
I started thinking about it differently when someone on Twitter pointed out that I might not be distracted by summer but distracted by work.
And you know what? Maybe it isn’t summer. Maybe I just need a break and instead of looking at it as not being productive I can look at it as an opportunity.
A wise friend I haven’t seen in a while once told me, when I was complaining about not being able to write, that in order to draw from the well you have to make sure it gets filled up.
She’s a farm girl – she thinks a lot about rain 😉
I think I’ll call her to see if she would like to go to the beach this weekend.
I’m going to use that distraction as an opportunity.
from Kathryn Jennex aka @northernchick
I know exactly what you mean about distractions. I can’t keep my eyes on the computer when the sun is shining in on me through the window!
I think maybe a break is the answer. Maybe once I’ve taken one I can refocus!
Kassandra – no kidding right? refocusing is good…. helps with perspective. Thanks for stopping by 🙂
I think we all need time away from work – to log off, get away from the screen, go “offline” for awhile.
When it comes to work, a lot of us (myself included!) tend to procrastinate, make tasks seem more pressing than they really are, or attempt to multitask but ending up getting distracted.
In doing so we miss all these opportunities!
Often, my best ideas often come when I’m out for a run, a walk, or simply taking time out for a cup of coffee.
Thanks for reminding us to seize these opportunities for time-out, to rejuvenate and to come back to work more energized, inspired, and productive.
Crystal – how true! I’ve tried this week to do one thing at a time. It helps but I make everything more pressing than it really is. Internet time is a funny thing. We expect everything to happen RIGHT NOW. Here’s to wonderful distraction! Thanks for stopping by 🙂
I know what you mean… You need to have inspiration from somewhere. If it’s a rain barrel so be it. We work too hard sometimes and need breaks. Go to the beach, have a picnic amazing at how inspiration happens with R&R.
It’s pretty interesting to think that work could be a distraction from work… I think you’re right. Time for a break!
Joel – Excellent idea!
Yay! Let’s all get out of the office for a bit. My work is distracting me too!
I call sitting in front of my computer when nothing comes, returning to my employee mentality. I am still getting used to the fact that I do have a choice when I am not productive, to get up and do something else than I had planned.
When I saw my partner getting up into the garden, you should have seen the look on my face. It is so engrained in me to sit and stay, like a dog, it took me a long time to unlearn this compulsive thou shall produce feeling. Hmm, I am pleased I am not the only dog who stays and sits on this planet. I might take a walk right now, because I can.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts! I feel a little bit better, knowing my distractions can now be part of my multitasking.
Kathryn lovely post. I have been trying to update/write a blog piece for quite a while. Loved what your friend said, “when I was complaining about not being able to write, that in order to draw from the well you have to make sure it gets filled up.” I think that is what’s been missing too focus on one thing. 🙂