Focus - Leo Babauta [44]
So societal change would be be accomplished with a two-fold strategy: 1) Setting the example, and 2) Spreading the word.
setting the example
Modeling good behavior has always been one of the most powerful tools for influencing others. Children learn from parents and others by watching, not by being told. We become inspired by those leading lives of imagination, of determination, of brilliance.
So model those behaviors that will lessen distractions and increase the time we have to focus and create. Show others, without being smug about it, that a simpler, more mindful, more focused life is possible, and that it's a good thing.
You don't have to be perfect, or a saint, but just make small changes that others might follow. A few examples:
Don't always be connected or available for interruptions, and let others know when you're not available.
Keep emails short, succinct. Keep email subject lines meaningful rather than vague. Cut down on chatter.
Don't send a lot of texts, instant messages, tweets, or emails.
Take walks, or get away to find focus. Create. Others will notice.
Keep meetings to a minimum, and keep them short.
When you meet with others, put away and turn off technology, and focus on them completely.
Do one thing at a time.
Slow down. Don't rush.
Reduce clutter in your workspace.
Simplify your workday.
Little changes like these can make a huge difference. Others will take notice, and these changes will have a ripple effect on the lives around you.
spreading the word
Setting an example is one thing, but if no one knows about your example, it will have less of an influence. And by spreading the word, you can increase your influence beyond just those who see you every day.
I should warn you, though, not to be smug, arrogant, judgmental of others, or righteous in any way. Your way is just one way, and it's not necessarily superior to the lives of others, so don't make it seem that way if you can help it. It will only turn other people off and have a negative influence rather than a positive one.
Some ideas for spreading the word:
Talk to friends, family, co-workers about the changes you've been making and the positive effects they've been having on your life. Again, don't brag, but just share.
Share what you've been doing on Facebook, Twitter, or any other forums you participate in.
Blog about it. Blogging can be a lot of fun -- you share what you learn with others, help others to do the same if they'd like, learn from others doing the same things. Perhaps most importantly, blogging forces you to reflect on what you're doing and what you've learned.
Tell the media about it. OK, most people don't have this opportunity, but if you make major changes in your life, there might be a reporter looking for someone like you out there for a story. Tell them about it. Share with the world.
Write a book about it. Or an ebook. Help others learn from what you've learned. It doesn't have to be long.
Share this book. The free version of the book is uncopyrighted and freely distributable. If you share the paid version with a few people, I won't get mad (though encouraging them to buy their own copy will make me happy!).
focus:
bonuses
1: overcome the fears that stop you from focusing
By Gail Brenner
"Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom."
– Victor Frankl
You may be on board with the value of focusing and may have had some success in eliminating distractions. But maybe you've noticed that fear is blocking your progress.
Simply by committing to focusing, your fears about what may or may not happen as a result are triggered. Do any of these sound familiar?
I'm afraid I'll miss something.
I'm afraid I'll fail.
I'm afraid I'll succeed.
I'm afraid others will think I am uninformed.
I'm afraid of losing someone's approval.
I'm afraid of working hard.
These boil down