Distractions in Life: Top Ways to Avoid Them

I sat down at the computer to check my email quickly during nap time. I planned to get some much-needed cleaning done while my youngest children were napping. However, after I finished with email, I thought I'd just check Facebook a minute. We all know how this goes. Distractions in life are inevitable, but we have choices to make.

Before I knew it, the baby was awake and crying, and my cleaning time was gone. My bathrooms desperately needed some attention, but I let myself get distracted. This was becoming an ongoing problem -- a little Facebook here, just a chapter of a book (that turned into 5) there, and my time was being wasted.

We all know distractions can be a huge problem. They can keep us from accomplishing our goals and reaching our potential. In order to help you avoid some of these pitfalls, I'd love to discuss ways to avoid distractions and stay on track. We will also look at some Bible verses about distractions and how to overcome them. Finally, we will talk about different types of distractions that can interfere with our lives.

What are Examples of Distractions?

Distractions can take many forms. There can be external distractions, like noise or other people. Internal distractions, such as our thoughts or emotions, can also keep us from accomplishing our tasks.

Other distractions could be social media, movies and shows, hobbies, or anything else that sidetracks us from what we know we should be doing. In today's world, it's increasingly easy to become distracted by all that's available to us.

Bible Verses about Distractions

Even the Bible warns of distractions and tells us how to use our time best. Your time is to be spent glorifying the Lord, but you can't do that when you're constantly distracted. Don't worry, I'm speaking to myself as well.

Yes, you need to have times of rest, but rest is totally different than allowing distractions to rob you of your time. Now, let's look at some Bible verses about distractions. How are you to use your time? What creeps in? What does the Bible say about being tempted?

"I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord." 1 Corinthians 7:35 ESV

"Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil." Ephesians 5:15-16

"but the cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches and the desires for other things enter in and choke the word, and it proves unfruitful." Mark 4:19

" If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth." Colossians 3:1-2

"No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it." 1 Corinthians 10:13

Avoiding Distractions

Let's get into how to avoid distractions and stay focused on the life God has called you to in order to live more purposefully. Distractions can be a huge problem, but there are ways to avoid them. Now that you understand what distractions are out there, you can be better equipped to deal with them when they come up. And by staying positive and focusing on what's important, you can overcome any distractions that come your way! Here are five tips to get you started:

• Make a list of your distractions and find ways to eliminate them or reduce them. Maybe you need to set a time limit on your social media apps . . . or even remove them from your phone.

• Refocus your attention on what's important and let go of what's not. This goes along with the above tip. Know what's important and what's not.

• Set specific times for work and time for play and stick to them. There's nothing wrong with having time for play, but don't let it creep in during times when you need to be productive. Remember the old saying "No work. No play."

• Have a plan! Know what you need to do each day and have a goal in mind so you're not just aimlessly working. Having a plan can keep you focused and help eliminate distractions.

• Stay positive and believe in yourself. You can do this! Write down one of the verses above to help you remember. Try adding a phone wallpaper (like the one below) to help remind you.

We cannot avoid distractions altogether, but we can learn how to overcome them. By understanding what distractions are, we can be better equipped to deal with them when they come up. Also, by staying positive and focused on what's important, we can overcome any distractions that come our way! What is your top distraction? Let me know in the comments.

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