How to Defeat Social Media Distraction

Recently I’ve found myself checking social media more often than I should while I’m working. Maybe this is true for you too. Everything with the US election makes social media even more addicting than normal. 

Nevertheless, work has to get done. Not only because there are deadlines and deliveries, but because work is good for our spirits. We can’t change the course of events by checking social media more often. We can change the course of our local world by showing up and completing the work that we said we would do. Even if your job seems not entirely impactful, or maybe even menial, the way you go about your work is the most powerful tool you have to change your community for good.

So let’s get to work.

The best short term solution I have found for defeating distraction is to set a timer. I set a timer for 48 minutes, and tell myself that I have to work with no distractions until the timer goes off. Once it goes off, I set another timer for 12 minutes. I can do whatever I want in the 12 minutes. Check social media, go for a walk, play guitar, have a snack. After the timer goes off, I set it for 48 minutes again, and get back to work.

Once I string together 3 or 4 of these cycles in a row, I’m well on my way to having a very productive day. I can take comfort in having a productive day, even though it may not feel like I’m having a huge impact. I choose to trust the process that work done in a meaningful way is the most powerful tool I have to positively change my community.

Things are crazy right now. That’s ok. Take comfort in your work, and be grateful.

Good luck out there.