My friend, David, has a unique approach to productivity. While it might sound counterintuitive, his "distractions" are actually quite beneficial. They don't align with the typical distractions that derail most of us.
Many of us have inadvertently trained our brains to seek short-term gratification from non-productive activities like social media, videos, or online games. This is a problem because the Dopaminergic Reward System (DRS) in the brain isn't designed for short-term gratification. The DRS is supposed to keep us focused and involved in an effort for an extended time. It wants to work hard because it perceives the effort itself as a primary benefit!
Instead of indulging in fleeting distractions, David focuses on long-term projects. After working for hours, he takes a break by working on a hobby, such as restoring old motorcycles. This sustained engagement helps reinforce the DRS in David's brain. This contributes to a healthy supply of dopamine, which translates to not only improved focus, but greater happiness and contentment in life!
Are there hobbies you could pursue instead of unproductive distractions? Consider learning a new language, practicing an instrument, or developing any new skill. The key is to make these activities easily accessible. Unlike the constant temptations of smartphones, these hobbies can provide a more fulfilling and rewarding experience.
Some people find it helpful to place productive distractions within easy reach. For example, if someone wants to learn guitar, they could keep the instrument in a stand in their office.
The concept of taking a break from work by "working on other work" can be applied to different tasks in your career. If you have multiple tasks to complete, focus on one until you feel fatigued. Instead of turning to a video game or social app, switch to another task that can hold your interest.
The next time you're tempted to seek immediate gratification from brief, non-productive entertainment, pause and consider the long-term consequences. These habits can harm your attention span and your ability to focus on long-term goals. Your brain is trying to signal you that these distractions are not serving you well. Listen to it!
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