Remember my blog post "Time"?
In that post, I listed 3 things that can be distractions for me: social media, TV, and spending unnecessary money.
When I originally wrote that piece, my business had started and I was finally allowing myself to ease back into "the fun stuff". Over time, I've gotten back to my regular self while keeping my business a priority. However, I always have to keep an eye on those pesky distractions.
There are usually three indicators that my distractions have "made an appearance":
Each week I make a list of the top 3 things I must complete. If I don't have to rewrite them for the next week, that's a problem.
If I am fully aware of the most recent celebrity scandal and I'm taking time to research the situation, that's a problem.
When I check my bank account and see "Amazon.com" listed as transaction more than 3 times in one week, that's a problem.
Once I'm aware that my favorite distractions have "stopped by for a visit", I go through my "self-check questions" to assess my productivity.
What did I accomplish for my business this week?
Did I get enough sleep?
Are my clients happy?
Did I do at least one thing related to my business each day?
How did I spend my free time? Was it productive?
Did I spend unnecessary money?
Did I go to the gym regularly?
When I recently asked myself these questions, I evaluated the areas where I excelled and the areas where I fell short. On this particular day, I found that I fell short with my productivity, exercise, sleep, and spending.
It's funny how everything was connected!
1. I didn't use my free time well last week. Instead of using the time to do productive things, I watched a lot of TV!
2. Then, I chose watching shows over going to the gym.
3. When I skipped the gym, it impacted my sleep patterns.
4. When I would wake up at 3 am for no reason, Instagram and Amazon.com were there to comfort me.
Needless to say, it was time for a readjustment!
Luckily, this behavior was contained to a few days in one week while my self-awareness was on a mini-vacation. However, I know that if I want to reach the very big goals I have for myself, I must do better! I simply cannot waste time doing things that aren't beneficial to my health and my business.
Now don't get me wrong, everyone needs downtime and fun. But in my case, I have to be strategic about how my time is spent, including my free time. This is not easy for me. Daily I have to focus on giving the side-eye to my distractions. I have to constantly remind myself that:
My weekly priorities are more important than trying to determine who's going to win The Voice.
Yes, Amazon has everything, but that doesn't mean I need to buy it all.
No matter how long I scroll on Instagram, I can't help Khloé with her situation.
My time is better spent executing my plan to take over the Event Planning World!