Question

How prone are you to letting distractions consume your time? Does this problem apply to your personal affairs and relationships, not just work? It is interesting that some employers are trying to step in and set policies that minimize the negative impact of distractions, especially electronic ones. Where is the self-control? Are there things we can all do to protect our time and keep our work and goals on track?

Answer 1

• In this age of unlimited access to the internet and social media, we are very prone to letting distractions consume our time.
• It extends beyond work to personal affairs and relationships when one prefers spending time using technology or watching a show on Netflix as compared to spending time with a loved one.
• Self Control is rare as most of these platforms capitalize on human lack of self-control and devise methods to instigate this loss of self-control, as studies have shown. The endless scrolling feature found on most platforms including news apps is an example.
• The most effective way to protect our time and to keep our work and goals on track is to prioritize and wean ourselves off the social platforms we do not need for work. Another way is to download locking apps which are programmed in such a way that they prevent access to unnecessary apps in the time windows in which we need to focus.