I was on a trip the other day and had to fly. One of the normal rituals passengers always follow: shutting down all electronic devices. For phones, this means turning it off or putting it on what is called "Airplane Mode."
Airplane Mode shuts off the phone's ability to process incoming and outgoing calls while allowing other functions on the phone to continue working. It's for a designated amount of time (from the closing of the airplane hatch until the plane lands safely on the ground.) This got me thinking.
With the increase in distractions (good and bad) such as Facebook, phone calls, meetings, Twitter, visitors, and so on, there is a decrease in our focus. We find it hard to stay on task long enough to bring them to closure. We go home divided, fractured, and unsettled. Is that your picture? Here's a thought:
Try putting yourself on "Airplane Mode" periodically. Cut yourself off from the world (shut your office door, or go to a library, turn off the phone, tell your assistant to hold your calls...). Remain focused on a task until it is completed. If any stray thoughts occur to you while you're on task, jot the thought down on a notebook pad and continue. It can be for just an hour, or an afternoon.
Employ Airplane Mode to the fabric of your work week and you'll be Serving Strong!
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