Propering in the Distraction Economy

Everyone seems to be busy so our economy should be booming. Extremely busy people are either very wealthy or living ineffective lives. We can all afford to improve in some areas of our lives. Here are 7 suggestions to prosper in the quick fix, instant and distracted society we live in. Follow the advice and avoid falling in the time robber traps.  

1) Have dream and plans. Are your dreams and plans for your life clearly defined and written? Can you hit a target you don’t have? Obviously you cannot. 98% of the people don’t know what they want out of life. Example - Be happy is a wish that needs to be translated into a specific plan. Happiness is a byproduct of what who you are and it comes from serving others.

2) Unplug the negative noisy media. Plug into nature or a fun hobby. Take time on a daily basis to rest, recharge, re-frame, and refocus. Take time to do nothing. Take time to enjoy the moment. Step back from your busy life to get a new perspective.

3) Continuously learn. Get the right information from the right source. Look for people with the lifestyle you want. Learn from them. Read great books and study them; read with the purpose of extracting the nuggets of wisdom you need to move you in the right direction in life.

4) Keep score on the things that matter in your life.  People keep score on things like sports and fail to keep score on what matters in their lives. The only way to improve something is to measure it. What does your life scorecard say? Are you winning the game of life? How do you know?

5) Be accountable. Be accountable to self, to our Creator, to partners, and to mentor(s).  Be accountable to those you respect and trust and ignore the rest.

6) Stay focused. Distractions and procrastination leads to mediocrity. Be intentional and mindful of the traps all around you.

7) Live by your priorities not your obligations. Don’t follow the heard for what is popular. Always ask the question – is this activity bringing me closer or further from your dreams? Learn to say no to those things that keep you from moving towards your dreams and the life you have always wanted.

You were meant to live a significant life. What is stopping you from being an example for others to follow? 

Be blessed and be a blessing to others!

Carlos Fontana, President of Phalanx

Co-author of the book Follow to Lead (The 7 Principles to Being a Great Follower)

Author of the book PRICELESS (Sixty-Six Simple Stories of Reflection, Love, and Legacy)