Block out the Noise
Have you ever just wanted to block out the noise?
Feel like you can never focus on what is most important? Have you ever attempted to start a project or task but couldn’t get clarity on how to start because of the chatter surrounding you? Or have you started a task but were constantly interrupted by unplanned occurrences?
Most of us are confronted with various distractions that rob us of being our most productive in our day to day tasks. In the past few months, I have been inundated with a lot of “noise” in my day to day activities. I am just like many of you, I am a wife, a mother, a supervisor, a team member, a sister, a friend, a daughter, the list of different hats I have to take on and off goes on and on and on. On top of that, at any age or stage of our lives, there’s always different chatter regarding what we should or should not be thinking or doing. Some are valid, and some are not. Some are realistic, and some are just fears. But the common denominator between them all is that they’re often distracting.
It’s so easy for us as women to prioritize meeting the needs and entertaining the opinions of others instead of making time for our needs and listening to our voices. Sometimes we have to block out the outside noise (phone calls, other people’s drama, and opinions, self-doubt and fear, etc.) in our day to day life and focus on our purpose. We can’t give up all our valuable time every day to outside interruptions; we must take command of each day.
So how do you do it? Here are some steps I use to eliminate unwanted interruptions in my life:
1. Plan each day the night before.
What you spend your time doing yesterday night often determines how your day will go tomorrow. Invest in having a productive day by writing out what you want to accomplish the night before. When you’re making your plan, remember to establish a non-negotiable block of time (that means no calls, texts, meetings, etc.) to knock out tasks on your to-do list.
2. Awaken in the morning with focus.
Start your day with peace, and make it a routine. I like to start my mornings with about an hour of prayer, self-reflection, and exercise. If I don’t, my day is bound for chaos. Meditation and exercise help me feel grounded, in control and prepares me for the day ahead.
3. Stick to your plan.
A plan is only as good as the person implementing it. Stick to your plan. Adhere to the time you blocked off for being productive. Also, be mindful of who you let into your space. Be proactive about disrupting any confusion or negativity that comes to interrupt your day and drain your energy. That co-worker that likes to gossip? Maybe try avoiding them a bit. That team member that is always complaining? Try cutting those conversations short or eliminating them altogether. Remember, you have command over how your day will go, especially if you stick to your plan.
4. Listen to relaxing music as you unwind at the end of the day.
Nothing blocks out the noise better than some good music! I always finish off my day by listening to my favorite classical playlist. Giving your brain a rest will help you transition from work to your personal life at home.
You can receive so much peace from tuning out all the outside noise and focusing on what you need to accomplish with a definite aim. Let’s focus on blocking out the noise this week!