Distraction-Proof® Advisor Ideas

Preparing for Excellence – Issue 4

What most stands in the way of getting our priorities accomplished? Distractions. My audience members tell me it is the number one issue plaguing them in their business as well as their personal lives. And the problem is universal – whether you are a business person or an Olympic athlete.Distractions interfere with our concentration and focus and turn our attention to something that may be "urgent," but is typically less important than what we previously identified to be our priority. It's easy (and easily justifiable) to check the email one more time, or look at the latest on-line news headlines, get caught up in negative conversation about the most recent economic data, or even spend time listening to an internal doubting voice which is asking, "Do you really think you can achieve that?" Sometimes these things become such a habit, we barely even recognize them as distractions, but they always cost us – often even more than we ever thought possible.

To see the heart breaking reality of what distraction actually looks like, watch the video of my Olympic race at http://paulkingsman.com/olympic_race.html. Can you see it?* Hint: watch the swimmer in lane 4, specifically the last 3 strokes of his race. It only took a split second, but it cost him an Olympic medal.

Today, what seems small and inconsequential, but may be costing you dearly? Use 4 minutes to:

• Review and refocus on your priorities,
• Honestly assess the distractions you encounter most often, and
• Develop a plan to remove, avoid or overcome them.

Then, when those crucial split seconds come, follow your plan through. Keep your head still, focused on your goal, not looking right or left. Don't let distractions cost you!

Next month we'll talk about specific techniques Olympians use to overcome distractions which you can also draw on to ensure your own Split Second Success.

– Paul

*It was small and quick, so in case you missed it, the swimmer turned his head (twice!) to look over at me in the last three strokes of his race, slowing him down enough to allow me to out touch him by only 4/100ths of a second.

Copyright Paul Kingsman 2007
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Paul Kingsman is an Olympic medalist, professional speaker and executive coach. He draws upon his Olympic experiences to equip his audience members and his coaching clients with the tools needed to avoid distractions and stay focused, so they can make the best split second decisions for outstanding long-term results. To contact Paul visit www.PaulKingsman.com.

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