Week 3: Day 21

Week 3: Letting Go

Day 21: On the Importance of Staying Distractible

Summary: We often believe that maximum productivity requires a completely distraction-free environment. However, the idea that all interruptions must be avoided has two unintended effects: first, we get more upset when we do get interrupted and second, we begin to classify more things as interruptions. Burkeman points out that while we may certainly go somewhere for more peace and quiet, we shouldn’t try to assume that we always need to be in complete control over our time.

I get very protective and particular of my writing time, but I never feel focused enough. In addition, I’ve spent a ridiculous number of hours reading about how to increase focus and how to be more productive yet never feeling that I’m doing enough.

Homework: Accept hat I can’t control my writing time.