I have given myself approximately two hours, 12 minutes, and 14 seconds to write this essay. The amount of time it takes me to get to work and back on the train.

Now, I have eight seconds less.

I never timed how long it took to write a sentence. I am a slightly above average typist, but the speed of writing a sentence depends nearly entirely on whether the order of strung words is already sitting in my head in queue. When I have to think about the right way to say something, or what I am going to say, it inevitably takes longer for it to travel from my globular cerebrum to the page. Also, words like “inevitably” cause me to pause for a half a second to remember how to spell it. It doesn’t fly off the keyboard like the words, “fly” or “keyboard.”

I just wasted an extra second-and-a-half misspelling “keyboard” and having to move the cursor back to correct it. Then my brain focused on the misspelled word rather than what my next cogent thought might be. A mistake compounded. 186 words down and seven minutes and 32 seconds in.

I wonder how much time I waste per day on mistakes, distractions, mis-turns. Are there people who don’t get distracted or make mistakes? People who can stay on task with superhero laser focus? Who doesn’t spend time pontificating about how long it takes to write a single sentence or the derailment of a thesis when a writer trips over her words and spends more time questioning whether the word “keyboard” would carry the same brevity if it didn’t have the “y”?

I imagine there are people like that. The people whose bios read like five peoples’ lives smashed together. People who manage to earn multiple advanced degrees, and who hold high positions in multiple industries. People who publish dozens of books. Who achieve some incredible feat that requires intense focus and training, and who somehow still manage to maintain a marriage and family. People who do not get distracted by social media dings and a dragonfly catching some pollen on a nearby blooming tomato plant. Those people have always fascinated me. Although, behind every successful family person (so often, a man) is most certainly an unsung hero (so often, a woman) who enables their craft by taking care of absolutely everything else for them. Distraction avoidance by proximity.

Then there are the incredibly lucky distractors. The guy who first stuck his mouth under a cow’s udder and was able to convince others to do the same. I’m sure it wasn’t ingenuity or intention that led to that act. It was probably misguided curiosity, or procrastination, getting distracted from what he was supposed to be doing. I have done weird things when I’m on a deadline and don’t feel like completing the task at hand. Like clean the bathroom. Of course, when I have to clean the bathroom, I do something else, like write an essay about distraction.

What does it mean to commit an act that is the opposite of distraction? To focus and complete a task? To slap procrastination squarely in its ugly face and keep at the task at hand until it is baked and ready? It is so easy to wish for things. To create a wish list, even, of all the things you want to complete. Do the laundry. Meal prep for the week. Outline that article. Finish that strategy deck. Complete the degree. Advance to the next level at work. Write the next Great American Novel.

It is even easy to start things. It is much easier to hit the start button on the dish washer than it is to wash by hand, dry and put everything away. I have so many first sentences. Though, to be fair, it’s easier to write one stellar sentence than 300 pages of them.

The man stared down at the crimson blood dripping from his fingertips.

The fuchsia dress glimmered in the sunlit porch where she was about to create the best memory of her life.

Angled just right, he wouldn’t have to face the hunger that snarled his stomach all winter.

Those are decent sentences. It’s a lot easier to hold your attention on (and my own for long enough to write) these singular, standalone sentences than it might be to expand each into full length novels. The pressure to create identifiable yet compelling characters, to embed enough plot twists to maintain the attention span of a culture that officially loses focus in less time than a goldfish. It’s a lot of pressure. It’s much easier to write first sentences on word documents that I then file into a “works in progress” folder on my desktop and rarely look at again. There is satisfaction in filing things.

More than 21 minutes have ticked away in my toiling. 778 words down. I now have one hour, 51 minutes and 26 seconds until I reach my self-imposed deadline. About halfway to the low end of the word count.

I paused to sneeze and my eyes caught the morning sun reflecting off the buildings out of my periphery as my train whizzed by on its way from suspiciously sleepy suburbs to the frenetic city. I spent (wasted?) at least two distracted minutes staring out the window, my thoughts wandering beautifully but even less disciplined than this rambling piece. Now I feel like a naughty school girl who daydreamed rather than listen to her history teacher babbling about some Civil War battle that was probably rife with inaccuracies. History is written by the victors, after all.

But also, aren’t the day dreamers the ones who create greatness? The one who didn’t follow the path they were supposed to and discovered new land. The CEO who leaves at least two hours each morning to just think so she can make sound decisions and innovate. The kid who was allowed to play make believe rather than complete eight pages of worksheets each night and grew up to invent a mega power brand like a Lego or the immutable Muppets.

Shouldn’t we all be encouraged to focus less and get distracted more? Tune out of the status quo, blow the arbitrary deadlines and protocols, and spend more time staring at the ingenuity of light refracting on the side of a grey, cement building or the gradation of cloud layers. The way a lone sparrow hops on the front of its feet, pecking at paper scraps on the ground in search of its next sustenance. The sharp whinny of the neighbor’s dog straining to smell a distant fox it cannot see but knows is there.

What is life if not the amalgamation of a million little observations? A hundred thousand fleeting moments of beauty and terror that were captured when we weren’t on deadline, head-down, trying to focus and be productive and get the thing done. Life happens when we are distracted. A thousand sweet kisses. A few hundred bear hugs. A dozen moments of sheer exhilaration. Hopefully not more than a couple of moments of total devastation.

Can you go to the edge of Earth, of life if you’re worried about the end goal? Can you truly explore the depths of human emotion and experience if you are trying to drive efficiencies in your workflow or manage through protocols? Doesn’t full attention at all times drain our souls?

Perhaps we should instead launch an anti-focus movement. We can celebrate the people who land on an epiphany while procrastinating. The wanderers who stumble upon something wonderful and surprising when they should have been somewhere else. We can honor the exceptions to the rule rather than the rule. The stream of consciousness wisdom not unlike this essay, rather than the impeccably formed narrative arc.

Despite the misgivings coming through the pores of this pixelated page, I consider myself a very focused and productive person; in other words, largely non-distractable. I have always outputted, on average, slightly more than my peers. I was often the first to finish tests in school. I complete more work in my hamster-in-a-wheel office life than colleagues. I have side hustles that leave people asking me regularly, “how do you find the time?”

This is the moment where I might provide a much-anticipated update on word count and time invested, but sadly I cannot because my morning train ride ended, and I spent eight hours toiling away. I had a surprising burst of new energy to keep writing upon my return train trip, but I went back and added some words above that weren’t there this morning, so it’s a bit of a tossup now in terms of time spent. I am 1468 words in and have spent about one hour and 50 minutes on this potentially inane essay.

But also, that’s a potentially impressive rate of more than 700 words an hour. Not my best. But also, not someone’s worst by any measure.

How do I get what I get done when I do focus?

The answer is, I move quickly.

I don’t always get everything right, but I don’t necessarily make more mistakes than the average Joe, either. I’m sure if I slowed down, I wouldn’t make hardly any mistakes. I wouldn’t spell “keyboard” wrong at the very least. But what’s the fun on taking it so slow that you pay close attention to everything? That feels like driving the golf cart over the Ferrari, choosing the steamed vegetables over the creamy, potato gratin. Sure, there are consequences to moving quickly. But also, isn’t life more fun that way? And if life is short, shouldn’t it be fun? Should we all choose the potato gratin?

I recognize I have devolved into talking about the selling points of potato gratin rather than on how one can focus to complete a task.

Before I concur with my own purported point, I will state for the record that potato gratin deserves its own, dedicated essay.

My train is pulling into the station momentarily and I am rounding the corner on nearly 1700 words, which means that I have nearly accomplished my mission. That is, of course, assuming any of this makes any sense. If not, I just gave you a good, ten-minute distraction. You’re welcome.

Is the development of modern technology causing people to become programmed octopuses? Are people attempting to do too much at once? Many people learned in school that only octopuses possess independent use of each arm, enabling them to move, touch, and taste with a single motion. Is it a social expectation that people will be able to accomplish the same thing?

In a matter of seconds, an individual might find themselves inundated with a barrage of beeping noises, flashes of blue light, ceaseless vibrations, music ringtones, and instantaneous notifications on a daily basis. How can anyone manage these outside factors while remaining productive? It would be very simple to Google every response to these inquiries, but looking for answers elsewhere would be more interesting. A visit to the neighborhood zoo sounded like a unique place to seek unconventional truth and wisdom.

The journey commenced with a ride on public transportation. Amidst the usual clamor of a city bus, a persistent cell phone ringing and buzzing added to the already jarring ambiance. Though challenging to disregard, for now, savoring the moment seemed the wiser choice. A quick scan of the passengers revealed a collective absorption in their electronic devices, their necks uncomfortably craned. Was anyone else intending to sidestep distractions today? The obvious answer was no. Briefly, the window view held more allure than the bustling scene within the packed noon bus. The familiar congestion of city traffic lay unavoidable. Suddenly, an overcast sky, blossoming flowers, and a gentle, damp grass-scented breeze in the distance beckoned. In a burst of volume, the bus driver announced, ‘Next stop, Zoopark.

Visiting the zoo used to be an exhilarating adventure, a time when the anticipation of seeing monkeys, zebras, and giraffes was all that truly mattered, over three decades ago. Today, however, everything feels different. This excursion has transformed into a search for answers, an endeavor to seek out cosmic signs. The zoo now represents the perfect sanctuary, a place to unwind, disconnect, and detach from the ceaseless technological intrusions that constantly besiege humanity. The first act of bravery for the day involved powering down all electronic devices.

At the entrance of the zoo, a life-size T-Rex, an 18-foot giraffe, and a grizzly bear greeted visitors. These meticulously crafted statues were skillfully assembled using recycled materials. As we queued for entry, a school bus arrived, and excited children rushed towards the plastic figures, embracing them and meticulously examining every detail of their construction. Once inside, a lovely nature park with gardens, lakes, and lawns opened into a beautiful wildlife park. Numerous well-maintained habitats and expansive green areas bore more resemblance to jungles, farms, caves, and verdant woods rather than outdated cages or condemned spaces. Animals strolled freely without posing any threat to visitors or their fellow inhabitants, engaging in playful runs and enjoying peaceful naps or rest in sheltered nooks. The path for visitors was clearly delineated with vibrant arrows, accompanied by the addition of modern metal benches, quaint lakes, wooden bridges, and charming rock pathways. The deer exhibit was the first stop. About forty white-tail deer were grazing together in what appeared to be a man-made forest. There was no running, chasing, snorting, or bleating. They were relaxing, napping, exploring, and just enjoying the view. The environment was serene. Some were sleeping while others strutted around proudly showing off their antlers. It was a calm afternoon, and they loved it.

Reflecting on the past, a biology teacher had once asserted that deer were social creatures known for their ability to relish the present moment. Her words rang true. When walking down a hill, a jungle replica emerged in the background. A magnificent creature was skillfully lying down on a branch. It had the appearance of a large cat. He was light in color with dark spots and was slender but strong. A skeletal rat that dared to approach his food bowl caught his attention. Anyone could see that the leopard was going after him. But he showed no sign of urgency. He waited for the right moment with patience. The fierce animal was carefully positioned, waiting for the right opportunity to attack. He remained still, focusing solely on his goal. No yelling or sudden movements. What a wonderful example of patience, knowing that it will materialize at some point.

All instincts led visitors to the indoor exhibits as the drizzle started. An ant colony can be seen within a glass enclosure. Who has ever paid such close attention to these tiny creatures? There were hundreds of them! In a coordinated procession, they marched in a single file, each one assisting the other in transporting what appeared to be miniature leaves. Working together diligently, they ensured not a single fragment was left behind. A brief glance revealed their unwavering commitment, as not one of these industrious insects strayed from the orderly line.

Adjacent to the ant farm, a captivating exhibit showcasing spiders immediately captured everyone’s attention. Encased in a notably larger, tempered glass enclosure compared to the ants’, the spiders were scattered amidst a lifelike model rainforest, with the majority skillfully navigating their way up and down miniature trees and leafy shrubs. Their unwavering focus while spinning intricate webs was nothing short of impressive. These resilient creatures exhibited remarkable persistence; if their web was ever disrupted, they diligently mended it, persisting until their work was completed. Despite the fleeting nature of time, they displayed a composed determination, steadily working to achieve their goals, a testament to their admirable resilience.

As visitors departed from the zoo, a prominent, brightly lit announcement caught their attention, introducing the latest addition: the Aqua Aquarium, featuring a brand-new exhibit. Much to their amazement, a 24-inch common octopus was showcased within a colossal tank. The observers were left in awe of the mollusk’s remarkable dexterity, effortlessly multitasking with each of its limbs. How do they manage to eat and swim while seamlessly changing their skin hue? What an impressive display of abilities! It was evident they were flaunting their prowess. This served as a stark reminder that humans, despite their efforts to minimize distractions, are truly unable to multitask simultaneously; this exclusive skill is reserved only for members of this exceptional species.

The bus ride back was notably more tranquil, prompting a medley of contemplations. Deliberately disconnecting from the external world proved to be surprisingly delightful. An unanticipated sense of liberation permeated the atmosphere. Choosing to embrace and savor the present moment, unencumbered by technology and its array of distractions, revealed a realm of boundless possibilities. Why should anyone allow texts, calls, voicemails, emails, and other forms of communication to wield control over their lives? Switching these modes on and off should never instill feelings of obligation or guilt.

When is multitasking necessary to demonstrate our dedication or efficiency? Each individual can make sensible choices about their actions and timing. Why must technology emerge victorious every time? Responses will undoubtedly vary. Nonetheless, one should consciously opt to unwind, exercise self-discipline, and embrace the present moment, irrespective of external distractions, to truly prioritize their concentration. It is crucial to bear in mind the significance of addressing each task individually as it arises. It sounds simpler said than done.

Upon reflection, the tranquil demeanor of the deer at the zoo encapsulated the essence of this sentiment. There was no rationale for fretfulness or hastened existence. Every action, be it feeding, resting, or socializing, adhered to a specific schedule. The magnificent leopard exemplified the virtue of prudence and the importance of methodical planning. No one should be subjected to undue stress by attempting to conclude tasks quickly and simultaneously. The concept of taking one step at a time emerges as a straightforward strategy for accomplishing any objective.

Reminiscing about the distant echoes of the lions’ resounding roars as we passed by their enclosure, an immediate connection was established with their courage. Taking a day off from work to recalibrate and prioritize life required a substantial degree of determination. While it may be a challenging decision to make, everyone should contemplate it. Pausing momentarily to relish life’s smaller joys felt truly extraordinary.

Recognizing the value of collaborating with others to prevent burnout was a hard lesson to grasp. Ants shared the load and carried it collectively rather than individually. Observing the ants’ collective burden-sharing approach underscored the significance of dividing any task into manageable segments, thereby facilitating a more straightforward focus on individual elements. Allocating dedicated time for concentrated and efficient work entails setting aside unproductive pursuits. Striving for daily productivity is a commendable objective. Furthermore, honing the skill of identifying personal triggers and acknowledging the factors that divert one from their path is an important skill to develop. It’s essential to be surrounded by things that are significant and have an impact. It may be spending time with loved ones, engaging in hobbies, playing with pets, reading a good book, meditating, doing yoga, or anything else that gives a feeling of happiness and fulfillment.

Today was perfect. A visit to the zoo and reconnecting with nature served as a reminder that prioritizing tasks is integral to maintaining focus and minimizing distractions. Managing and adapting to distractions is an ongoing commitment. Disengaging from all electronic devices was undoubtedly challenging; mastering this skill requires practice. Allocating dedicated time slots in one’s schedule can facilitate uninterrupted focus and task completion. Ultimately, it is all about consciously redirecting attention towards significant and meaningful endeavors.

Before I started writing this, the distractions were standing in line to hit me in the face. I needed someplace quiet to reflect and write. Since I was far away from my home, a tourist in a city in the rural part of Denmark, I thought of a café, but all the conversations would distract me. So, I chose the best imaginable place:

A library.

It was spacious and beautiful. Besides the books arranged in the best order, it was also decorated with inspiring places to sit and relax. All the cozy places were colorful reflection spots designed in different shapes, from giant wide staircases to loveseats to big sitting chairs. It was a place that felt good.

Apparently, three different kindergartens in the city shared my opinion and admiration of the place. As I unfolded my computer, kids were running around, enjoying themselves in the beautiful reflection spots with soft pillows they threw around. It was an adventurous playground for them. I sat a bit away from them and tried to get some writing done.

Ten minutes later, three high school guys came in. Not to study but to enjoy a place to eat lunch while speaking loudly and crumpling their food paper. Suddenly the air alarm from World War 2 started. The one they used to warn people that they had to run to the protection rooms immediately. They test it once every year to see if it still works, and lucky me, it happened to be that very day. So there I was with a shattered illusion of a quiet library.

After considering all possible distractions, I’ve narrowed them down to five categories. Imagine them as if you’re sorting your garbage. You are creating an eco-friendly system. Next time you meet a distraction, you know precisely which trash bin you must throw it in. But first, one must understand what key distractions are so that they can be managed and overcome to generate the best performance. If you get familiar with your distractions and know which box they belong to, fighting them is easier.

Here are my five categories of distractions:

1. Clear outside distractions;
2. Outside distractions which you can ignore or choose to be interrupted by;
3. Bad planning distractions;
4. Procrastination distractions, made by you alone; and
5. The good distractions, the ones you need.

Let’s dive into them and get to know them:

1. Clear outside distractions

This is a distraction you can’t do anything about except move away from it or stay and cope with it. The problem in the library was an apparent outside distraction—i.e., when something from the outside you have no control over gets in the way. Other examples of clear outside distractions are an unexpected bit of road work on your chosen route or, in the summer, when you find the perfect spot to tan and a crowd of mosquitos are there too. If you know the outside distractions, you have a simple choice: Should I move away from this or accept the distraction? You must know when to categorize this as a “nothing-I-can-do-about-it distraction” and move away if possible. The sooner you realize the distraction belongs in this category, the less annoyed you will get. As for me, I just moved away from the library and found another day and place to write.

2. Outside distractions which you can ignore or choose to be interrupted by

This is the distraction your phone makes, such as notifications, text messages, and even calls. This is when people around you need your opinion or action, and you can choose to let them distract right now or say “later.” This when you’re on a diet and get distracted by the cake in the office. This is the one I experienced in the supermarket yesterday (and probably do every day): the temptation to buy something you don’t need, but it was on sale. However, yesterday it was different because I fought it. If I had just grabbed the cheap item on sale, I wouldn’t even think of it as a distraction. It would all be subconsciously. However, because I’m in the process of focusing on the distractions, I’m aware of getting to know them. Distraction creates a lack of balance, and being grounded is the goal of combating distraction. Fighting it when it occurs is the first step towards a more grounded version of you.

3. Bad planning distractions

As I was coaching a CEO, he told me of a project that failed because of unforeseen incidents. His plan contained a particular deadline and a certain amount of money. Then it turned out he had been too optimistic about his project because of unforeseen occurrences.

“What kind of unforeseen things?” I asked.

“One employer was pregnant and had to go on parental leave a few months after the project started, another one quit, two colleagues were sick for a combined three weeks during the project, and one supplier went bankrupt, and I had to find another supplier during the process,” he said.

“These were not distractions,” I said. “It’s life. Having kids is common; people get sick and change jobs; and companies close daily. You’ve done lousy planning if you haven’t incorporated life into your plan. I know it sounds harsh, but all the above is something you must base your budget and deadline on.”

What are distractions, and what is just bad planning? Most people call their own lousy planning “distractions” or “unforeseen events.” Even you and I do it with our finances. “This month, there have been so many unforeseen incidents. Two birthdays, the kid had to go to a school camp, and we had to buy a new dishwasher.” Sound familiar? It does to me. I have been a challenging planner, too. However, I’ve concluded that neither my dishwasher nor my fridge will last forever, and one day, even though I dread just writing it, I’ll have to change the roof too. Oh, it’s going to cost me. So, let’s be better at including life in our personal or work planning. Then you’re on top of it, and it doesn’t hit you as a distraction.

4. Procrastination distractions, made by you alone

Let’s just be honest: this is the category where you can put most of your daily distractions. I’ll be the first one to admit that it’s true for me. These distractions are so hard to spot because we do them subconsciously. For example, while working, it pops into your head that you need to make an appointment at the hairdresser, and you do so. Or while you’re enjoying playing with your kids, you grab the phone, not because it rings but to check your Instagram. And by the way, social media is filled with specially designed commercials just for you, so without even noticing it, you’ve spent half an hour on this while you could have been present with your kids. I’ve come further by noticing my distractions, the ones I do daily. Try to notice them just for one day. To me, my yesterday’s distractions looked like this:

• Going out to sit in the sun for 20 minutes while I was supposed to work;
• Scrolling through social media for about an hour;
• Looking for inspiration for a new bathroom and sofa, even though I will keep both the same for at least the next six months; and
• At least ten “procrastination ideas” while working.

Try to be aware every day. The more you pay attention to today, the more focused you’ll stay tomorrow.

5. The good distractions, the ones you need:

Let’s end with the best part: distractions aren’t only negative.

• As I sat and worked, a neighbor came over and said, “We need to go for a walk now.” (Yes, I live in the countryside, and that’s how we do here) During the walk, she inspired me to take my work two levels higher.
• While writing on a big project, my friend called and said he wanted to drag me out for lunch. At lunch, I felt like ordering something I had never tried before, and it turned out to become a favorite recipe I later used to surprise friends at the next birthday party.
• When you’re caught up in your negative energy (sorrow or complaining), and your spouse puts on some good music and starts dancing with you—this can also be a good distraction.
• If you’re in the office working hard on a hot summer day, suddenly, the boss comes in with ice cream for everyone. I’m lucky to have tried this distraction often.

So, let’s embrace those distractions. They bring us to a higher energy level or inspire us to do something better.

After we’ve looked at the five categories of distractions, we must look somewhere else now: in the mirror. To do the eco-friendly “sorting out the distractions trash,” you need a robust character—focused and grounded. Unfortunately, none of us can be like that all the time. However, I hope you are curious and ready to take in and try this knowledge.

Let’s incorporate the eco-friendly “sorting out the distractions trash.”

1. The first step is to be aware of them since most distractions happen subconsciously.
2. With awareness, you throw them in the box they belong in.
3. You follow up by fighting some distractions.

Then you’re on the right track to a more grounded version of yourself. Afterward, you can set another goal to notice which ones you conquered. That’s motivating, and it has helped me a lot.

Let’s meet the world with a deeper grounding and more awareness.

Mette Dencker is a former Member of the Danish Parliament for 11 years, coach, and speaker.