In Part 1, we looked at the types of distractions.  Part 2 examined three keys to removing distractions. Now let’s determine how to implement removing distractions using these 3 Keys: Organization, Structure, and Wellness

Using R.E.D. System

It comes down to a formula I like to call R.E.D, which is to Recreate, Eliminate or Delegate

The first step is to grade each distraction 1 - 5 or 1 - 10 based on the disruption it causes.  Then you can address each distraction individually. This is important.  If you grade the distractions, you will be able to address them in order of priority.

The second step is to follow the R.E.D Formula to see whether you can change it so it no longer becomes a distraction.  Remove it as unnecessary - then it no longer exists.  Have someone else take on the task, removing it from your day.

Recreate

If you're at a workplace, you have staff knocking on your door. If you're at home, then it may be your spouse or children.  However, at the end of the day, somebody interrupts to ask you a question.

To recreate this distraction, ensure that you have provided the ability for your team members to take on the task. That is ensuring you've empowered them with the authority to decide, the responsibility to do the work, and the accountability for the result. Think of it like a three-legged stool, with authority, accountability, and responsibility as the legs of the stool. If you remove one of the legs, the stool will fall unless it has something or someone to lean on. As a manager, a boss, or an owner, if you're not empowering your staff, they will lean on you.  You're going to end up having to do the work. By empowering the team, you change the habit of coming to you, and you have recreated the task removing it as a distraction.

Eliminate

What do you have in your day that you shouldn't do or should do less of?  Many people could cut online gaming, scrolling through social media, or watching television. How many streaming services do you have? Do you need them all, or are you spending too much time watching television?  Should you be working more in your business? Consider what you can eliminate from your day and put your time to better use with a task that requires your expertise.

Delegate

Business owners have a passion, something they're very good at and love.  Often, that is not social media. Social is an area that is vital for business today.  However, it does not require the business owner to do it themselves. This is a key task that can be delegated to a staff member or third-party consultant.  Another individual can handle posts and elements of finding content on behalf of the business. Although key content may need the owner, moving general elements of the activity away from the business owner's plate is critical.  Look at the tasks you do in a day, there are other tasks you can delegate.  Ask yourself, is this something that will cost us time or money if I don't do it?  Can I let go and have someone else take this on? The answer may surprise you.

Ready, Set, Go!

Implementing the R.E.D.  Formula (Recreate, Eliminate and Delegate) will help you be more effective by reducing distractions. The less you are distracted, the easier it will be to remove Squirrel Syndrome from your business. No more shiny objects. Your focus will be on key elements moving your life and business toward your dreams and goals. R.E.D. allows you to operate efficiently while adopting the three keys for your business - Organization, Structure and Wellness.

By Michelle Ricketts