S5E58: Staying on Track: Proven Strategies to Beating Distractions

The Mentee Podcast

It is easy to find ourselves sidetracked in a society with constantly developing technologies and social media. Sometimes we indulge ourselves in distractions to the point we're unable to complete necessary tasks. To achieve our goals, we must figure out ways to not let distractions take over our control.

Peter Shankman, best-selling author and CEO of ShankMinds joins me to talk about how you can overcome distractions to achieve your goals. Are you having trouble staying focused on your tasks? How do you take control of your life to prevent straying from the good? Peter takes his understanding and experience with ADHD to show us the way.

Tune in to the episode to take control of your life and learn to stay focused on your goals.

Here are some power takeaways from today’s conversation:

• Plan everything beforehand
• Discipline yourself with rules
• Understand yourself and your priorities
• It's okay to be different

Episode Highlights:

[4:24] Having ADHD and Controlling Distractions

ADHD is when distractions, forgetfulness, and inattentiveness become an issue regardless of the situation. It causes lower dopamine levels that lead to constantly seeking ways to achieve pleasure and satisfaction.

[16:34] Choosing the Right Environment for Your Goals

Find a happy place for each task and avoid situations you know will ruin your plans. Peter goes skydiving to provide him hours of focused thinking time from the dopamine, serotonin, and adrenaline he garnered from the activity.

[25:18] The Proper Way to Deal with People with ADHD

The body seeking dopamine may cause misbehavior in kids and adults with ADHD. We must not be quick to judge them as broken. Nurturing individuals with ADHD with care and support helps prevent them from straying into a life of crime or addiction.

[38:39] Don’t Let the Distractions Control Your Life

Gadgets and media exist as tools to provide us what we need. The moment we let these things control our behavior is when we lose focus on what we need to do. Fortunately, we can modify our surroundings to ensure control over our lives. Peter says we should make use of this power.

Notable quotes from the Episode:

[14:18] “The thing that is the most important to you is that which allows your life to be better.”

[30:53] “Just because someone is different than someone else, does not mean that they’re broken.”

[34:09] “Know thyself- I’d say is the first rule. Everything else gets easier after you know thyself.”

Resources Mentioned:

Connect with Wyatt Graves: LinkedIn | Website

The Mentee Podcast: Website | Apple | Spotify

Connect with Peter Shankman: LinkedIn | Website | Instagram | Email

Get your copy of Faster Than Normal: Amazon | Audible