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Working On Projects Amidst Distractions             Published Monthly
Lesson 055...                                                                                                            2020 05 06

Defining The Problem...
The ongoing virus attack of 2020 continues to derail production even in areas it has no influence.
Although the problem is not by physical duress, the monitoring time consumed is enormous.

While we must pay due attention for both awareness and safety sake, too much time is unhealthy.
Balancing interests, necessities, safety and news can quickly become uncontrollable to manage.

If left unchecked, this drain on any aspect of life can inflict disaster, especially on secondary functions.
Lifes needs rank higher than genealogy in our day to day world because it's a hobby for most.

But for those with a borderline obsession or occupational interest, the productivity drop can be huge!
This sudden inexplicable deviation from the planned route can offset the entire time schedule.
Undoubtedly the results will have a ripple effect on many key areas within the plan.

Regardless of when it is that we put a stop to the waste, we will still have lost many valuable hours.
The hours are irreplaceable, non-refundable, non-transferable and one-time use only.
Even a small gain counts as a win in a "use'em-or-lose'em" setting.


How Did That Happen?...
If a "lockdown" happened in your state, it likely gave you added time for your projects.
Others (Mostly "essential workers") did not gain any time, and bore the brunt.
How much of the available time was used non-productively is the key.

Myself and millions of others fell into various wasteful habits.
How do we know it's so much? Look at social media's newest techniques.
Paid commercials midway through popular videos... This adds even more wasted time!

The ease of passing time and a curiosity for news can each add to the losses of normal advancement.
When looking for a major contributing culprit, we might place blame on the computer mouse.
Computer mice are possibly the most commonly used vehicles of waste and destruction.

Of course, we all have free will.
We all choose where to spend our time.
Past choices are gone, future ones are preventable.


What Can We Do To Fix This?...
First we need to recognise that we are in fact wasting too much time, then identify how it came to be.
Tailoring a plan specific to our needs is directly related to how it appeared and our ultimate goal.

There are usually two approach versions that all plans can fit into.
Slow weaning, which is the steady reduction of any undesirable items.
Cold turkey, which is the all or nothing approach, and the eventual goal.

To help keep yourself from losing more ground, try to develop a reward system.
Stick to a "business first" approach in order to help keep from losing hard earned ground.
Conduct old business before adding new items (Answer emails, pay bills, shop necessities, etc..)

Disconnect! Even if just for a moment. Just long enough to break the frenzy!
Chances are, as you're reading this, the virus has passed, but the info is valid for next time!
Other events may not be as epic as the Corona-19 virus, but your rebound plan can remain the same.

Developing a plan and implementing it properly are the most important first steps you can take!
Use a plan tailered to your needs and ability in order to avoid un-necessary failures.
If needed, simply "X-Out" and start work on something productive!


What Can We Do To Minimize The Loss?...
Start now. Recognise that the loss is happening, and identify it's major source.
Begin by reducing or eliminating the ones you can do easily first.
Lost time diminishes with each effort that's made.

Resist the urge and temptation to remain constantly "connected" to your problem area.
Break away every now and again to walk into another room-literally.
Neatening that space may help clear your mind.

Try to get something "useful" done between the wasted times.... Small or large/Doesn't matter.
Schedule playtime with easy work times like morning coffee, lunch, attending mail, etc..
While not good for longterm, it may ease the transition back to "normalization".

Decide whether a reward time is helpful or contradictory to advancement.
A weaning schedule may be enticing for some, but use it only if you can break free easily!
Space the reward times a little farther apart each day or more (We're practicing to go back to work!).


What Did We Learn From This?...
The Coronavirus-19 of 2020 has affected many work at home persons due to sudden pre-occupations.
Friends fortunately may have paid lay-off time on their hands, but work-at-homers do not.

We all have to constantly decide whether to be social or working while connected to the internet.
There is no one method that's best for all if we want to hear the news affecting our lives.
Having multiple mediums running at once is another option to help "feed the need".

Whether you wean or go cold turkey, you'll find it's the cummunlative effect that gets the job done.
One is sudden, the other evolves more slowly, but can help pinpoint areas that manage easily.
Either method can be adopted if the first effort fails to meet our hopes or expectations.

It may take some time to dwindle the need for the adrenaline rush.
Some days we become so engrossed in current events that we loose track of time.
Remember to keep trying to break the chain! Simply disconnect to buy yourself time to regroup!

There'll be setbacks from boredom, excitement, forgetfulness and other avenues.
The best way to stop those moments is to immediately disconnect (X-Out!) and return to work.
Everyone becomes engrossed in moments, but practicing to limit their timespans will increase success!


The Basic Rules...
First...
Recognise where each of the issues stems from...
Identify major and minor timeloss areas, and also those easiest to hardest for you to eliminate.

Second...
Develop a basic plan to reduce the losses...
You can alter it at any time to fit your needs. Use minor rewards if necessary.

Third...
Don't give up... Retry at every failure...
Every breakaway, no matter its length, is still a win!



As always...
What you'll choose to do with this information is up to you.
It will at least serve as a stepping stone for further knowledge.
You should be applauded for your willingness to educate yourself.

These are only basic guidelines, and can always be adjusted to suit your personal needs or budget.
Hopefully the knowledge gained here will help you to be better positioned as a family historian!

      Happy searches!!

        Massachusetts

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