Having one's focus pulled away from a major task can leave a feeling of disappointment and maybe even anxiety over completing that larger task. While smaller items are dealt with, they may not be our priority, so seem less important than the originally planned items. In short, they weren't on our 'to do' list so they seem less important to us. We can realize that these are important for others, yet that isn't the same as important to 'me'. Learning to address some of this awkward thought processing might help us to feel less negative after a day of helping with items on someone else's 'to do' list. Chances are that someone else may need to help with 'my' tasks sometime, too. It is a type of reciprocity -- though not one that is always planned.
For those of us who need a chunk of time to work on a major project, we may not be able to move things forward with the same amount of time divided into 6 shorter periods. Again, understanding one's own work process is needed. Then, learn to allow the smaller 'intrusive' items to sit for a couple hours before they are addressed. Both of these are challenges. One piece of advice I read years ago was to turn off the e-mail to avoid what that author called 'fritters' -- time wasters that keep interrupting a writing flow. It all takes a change or new mindset to help finish both planned and external tasks and (hopefully) feel less resentful and more productive.
The selection that fit my thinking today is a lesser known song by one of the kings of rock. The lyrics perfectly addressed my feelings today. Enjoy!
Distractions -- Paul McCartney
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