The distracted...how to avoid it.

We live in a multi-sensory world filled with many distractions.  Everything we see and hear is designed to distract, grab our attention and drive us towards it...like the glowing light that attracts bugs in the summer.  As an educational leader, one can become distracted by any of the hundreds of new and shiny fads...whether it's technology or instructional tools, there are many out there that are designed to take us off our intended path.

I bring you back to my post a few days ago on the procrastinator, where I described our biological responses that cause us to procrastinate.  The same can be said for being distracted.  There is a biological and biochemical response in our brain to things that easily distract us.  We have evolved over time to use our five senses to keep us alive and propagate.  That includes using our intellect to find food and mates.  Like many other animals, our brains look for bright, colorful and unique objects and deems them "pretty", "amazing" or "interesting".  Our brains are attracted to those objects that distract us.  That is why when determining the best tablet to use for instruction, it is very important to look beyond appearances and surface features, to know whether it makes sense to purchase.

Being preoccupied by what distracts us can easily be controlled.  Just like controlling the urge to procrastinate, the easiest way to avoid being "the distracted", is to set goals and have protocols in place to make informed decisions.  Be careful not to let the pendulum swing too much in the other directions as you may become a "loafer", or even a "procrastinator".

Being mindful of not being easily distracted by the bright lights can be a challenge to your ability to make decisions.  Follow these easy steps to help you on your way to making informed decisions that are not swayed by SOS (Shiny object syndrome).

4 False Beliefs... Marshall Goldsmith via +Inc.

Stages of Decision Making

Many different techniques of decision making have been developed, ranging from simple rules of thumb, to extremely complex procedures.  The method used depends on the nature of the decision to be made and how complex it is.

The method described here follows seven stages:

1. Listing all possible solutions/options.
2. Setting a time scale and deciding who is responsible for the decision.
3. Information gathering.
4. Weighing up the risks involved.
5. Deciding on values, or in other words what is important.
6. Weighing up the pros and cons of each course of action.
7. Making the decision.

Find more at: http://www.skillsyouneed.com/ips/decision-making.html

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