Dealing with Distraction

With news of so many events dominating the media recently, it’s been too easy to become overwhelmed by all the noise.  With access to numerous news platforms and media reports at our fingertips 24/7, we can become unwittingly influenced by the often exaggerated and twisted stories spun by the media magnates in order to get clicks, views and likes and create reactions to the latest world events.  Often, we don’t even notice that we’re falling prey to these distractions—they’re so ingrained in our regular routine of scrolling through Facebook and email subscriptions.  However, such distractions can unknowingly have a real impact on the way we view situations and how we deal with them.

We’ve all been there: we’ve seen a news headline or Facebook post that’s immediately captured our attention and set fear into our minds on how it will affect us, our finances or our social lives.  The first response to fear is usually an immediate change, often made by a rushed decision.  Even before we’ve had time to research a topic and assess its ramifications, we’ve thought of multiple strategies to protect ourselves from the perceived outcomes.

Filtering through the noise can help us make better and safer judgements.  By being smart with the media platforms that we’re exposed to, we can have greater control over what we’re seeing and hearing and a better idea as to the source of the information.  Following more reliable and respected media platforms can help tame those initial impulsive reactions to unconfirmed and sensational headlines.  If you’re satisfied that the information you’re getting is accurate and verified, you’ll be more confident doing your own research and calmer making better informed decisions.

Cutting out the noise of distractions can also help you to become more productive.  Reducing the number of sources of an overwhelming amount of suspect information and replacing them with just a handful of reliable contacts and platforms will give you more time to focus on key priorities and to take your next steps on a steady or upwards path towards financial success.  Seeking advice from a third party is also helpful as it provides validation from an authority that generalised news resources can’t often provide.

Finding the right balance between the entertainment given and the distraction caused by the media is not always easy.  However, the more time you spend evaluating and adjusting your exposure to the platforms available, the easier it will become to find the balance and the quicker you’ll adopt a more stress-free and focused lifestyle.