By Dr. Jason Carthen
The New England Patriots have been embroiled in #DeflateGate for the last two weeks leading up to this week’s Super Bowl and it does not appear to be letting up anytime soon. Accused of removing air from the Footballs in order to win a playoff game, the team has been trying to manage distractions before the big game. Much to everyone’s chagrin, this has turned into a far reaching news story! However, we all can learn something from this media debacle.
Be Ready to Achieve a Goal
How many times have we been ready to achieve a goal, receive a promotion, experience success or go after our dreams, only to experience distractions that threatened to derail our efforts? It has happened to me more times than I care to remember, but through the years I have gotten better managing distractions and consistently helping others to do the same for great success.
Four Steps to Remove Distractions
For that reason, I want to ask you to give attention to the following four steps that will help you remove distractions and experience success both personally and professionally.
1. Identify the internal behaviors or external situations (pressures) that allow the distraction to surface. Journal the experience & take note, so that you begin to recognize the cues earlier.
2. Once identified, quickly remove the distraction (behavior or negative influence). Address it in a transparent way, so that your forward movement is not hampered.
3. Process the root of the distraction or barrier to your success and how you can minimize your exposure the next time.
4. Accountability with someone you can trust that is willing to engage you in tough conversations around patterns of behavior regarding barriers to your success.
This last point related to accountability cannot be overstated enough. Why? We all have blind spots and when you have someone else to share with you regarding things you do not see, it helps you to reach new levels of personal growth.
Leave a comment on my Facebook Page and share what specific steps that you use to deal with distractions and barriers to your success?
