The inconvenience of convenience
Sometimes it’s just the easyness of everything that gets in the way of Great Work.
The convenience of it all means that getting distracted from the work that matters is just too easy.
I spent last week determined, absolutely determined, to stay focused on Great Work. I had big, important creative stuff I wanted to tackle and “business as usual” wouldn’t do it.
So I had to check out.
I had to check out of my regular Good Work life, which meant I couldn’t work in my office or at my home.
I had to check out of wireless connection. I worked in three library, four coffee shop and the members’ lounge of the Art Gallery of Ontario all in a bid not to get distracted be email and the web.
I had to check out of the casual meeting, the “sure I’m available to talk”. Rather, I told people I was offsite and unavailable. (Well, *almost* everyone. I did have three calls for a total of 90 minutes)
I had to check out of using my computer as my default “input machine”. I worked off a grid pad and pen until I felt I had real stuff to put in
And let me tell you, this wasn’t the practiced and easy act of some wise and compassionate monk.
Every place I went I still checked for a wireless connection in the hope that I could cheat.
Every time I went to leave the house, I lingered and pfutzed around
Every time I settled down, my own inner monologued got louder and louder casting stones and aspersions and doubts.
So what’s distracting you? And how are you colluding with that?
I’m glad you didn’t collude and you went to your great work… It’s a great reminder how important that is to do.. AND I think I’m going to open a cafe for people who want to get work done – no talking, no wireless, and a Zen master who walks around with a cane smacking you if you obsessively try to find an internet connection… that might be my Great Work.
Michael ~ I totally sympathize with your battle against “distractions”!
Partly, my battle comes down to “talk about it, or DO it?” It’s always easier (and less scary!) to write, blog, respond, go off on tangents, than to go make decisions and choices, and actually get something done.
Jennifer ~ I love the idea of a “Get Something Done” cafe! I see a comfy lounge atmosphere, with wireless blocking tech installed, and a small annex-room outside the block, for necessary cell-phone calls and downloading. Let us know where this’ll be – with proper promotion, I think it could be a hit!
Karen
whohasbeenafraidtomoderateherblogweeksnow