Hi Friend,
I rarely think people should follow my example in most things. However, THIS exercise of considering my week and discovering what I learned from it has been transformative. So much happens in a week that we don’t realize. Pondering moments that have hidden jewels of wisdom and revelation tucked away are always surprising and available. I don’t know what they are until I start writing.
As usual this week was packed with variety. A pre-conference creative meeting. Breakfast with my son. Brainstorming with a friend about a big speaking opportunity. I read to third graders via zoom about the space station. I joined a few colleagues who listen to speakers deliver their message and then give critical feedback. I edited some videos. I worked on the details of hosting a business event at my church.
Not to mention getting to interact daily with Sarah and Monica who are crushing it and positioning Hawks Agency to move into a new realm of influence and impact. Both of them are fun, committed and joyful. I’m super grateful.
On Friday I ran for my 50th day in a row. That’s the most consistent thing happening. It’s hard on my body, but good for my soul. I’m fairly certain my underlying motivation is to feel like I’m in a control. It’s not for health or fun, but to make a decision and execute on it, daily.
Lately, I’ve been navigating through uncertainty about my messages. I was challenged last month and have taken it to heart. I’m anticipating a new season of opportunity and want to be who I need to be when it arrives. I also want to be positioned accurately and with focus.
Use Distraction to Gain Clarity
Distraction is today’s greatest enemy. Whether losing days on TikTok or binge watching Netflix, giving our attention to trivial content is certainly a national pastime. We are living in the Attention Economy and whoever gets ours, apparently wins. Of course the question is what do we get in return?
Entertainment
Bits of Knowledge
Feeling Surprised
Mental Transporting
Inspired & Encouraged
The follow up is, “is it worth it?” It’s like the medicine commercials that lists the risks and side-effects longer than the actual benefit of the medicine. The drain on our mental, emotional, physical, spiritual and relational health seems to be significant.
Are you unhealthy because of your habitual distractions?
I’m leaning into the distraction of running.
I’ve opened up to the distraction of daydreaming.
I’m chasing down the distraction of reimagining.
Running has nothing to do with my messaging or future strategies. Though I’ve told you previously it is a creative outlet for me; Unfortunately because I only run 3 miles I’m not generating much inventiveness. I’m doing it mostly in the afternoons to break up the day and beat up my body.
Intentionally distracting myself is an act of faith, that surprisingly is keeping me energized. Isn’t that the qualifier for assessing the ultimate value of where we affix our gaze?
Instigating Ideas…
1. Have you become numb to your weekly screen report?
2. Do you want more variety or more consistency in your week?
3. What’s your biggest distraction?
I love TikTok. It filled my brain with DIY visions, ancient wisdom and philosophy, relationship tips, hilarious comedy and awesome dad pranks. Though it brought a lot of joy, six months ago I had to take it off my phone. I literally never attempted one good idea that sounded so useful. It didn’t cause action, rejuvenate my spirit or rest my mind.
Does your distraction provoke vitality?
With such a varied weekly life, I’m grateful distractions can be converted positively. I’m getting closer to settling on precisely calibrated terminology. However, the diversity of my weekly schedule will continue to expand. Sounds like I’m gonna have to keep running.
I dare you to distract yourself by reviewing your last week lived and jotting down some take-aways. Who knows, you might instigate someone to attempt something new?