Distractions and Background Noise

Goal setting has to be one of the most difficult things for me. I can come up with a billion different scenarios for my expectations in life with 5 year horizons. But I can never settle on a few simple goals with minor achievements. I have always seen myself being a doctor but I really do not have the dedication to put towards a 4 year to 6 year goal in education. Education has been an issue because I always think about finances, relationships, and children. More specifically, if I were to dedicate 4 to 6 years into a career where would I be. My guess is that my income would substantially increase with about 5 years of experience. Then comes the white noise.

I can never truly focus on work because I am always thinking about an advanced degree. I can never fully focus on an advanced degree because I am thinking about all of my expenditures. The real problem is not knowing what I want rather than making a decision on work or school. So I did this visualization exercise that I typically do and map out my next 5 years. In five years, I pictured myself in a park during fall with my family including my children and a husband. Also, in this moment of bliss, I was  financially sound and felt professor-ish. I am going to do this “moment of reflection” period for the next 30 days just to see what I add or take away.

But the gargantuan task is to filter out all the distractions and background noise. Some distractions include, but not limited to, draining friends, stupid boys, and crappy jobs. Obviously, I can be a horrible friend and not listen to the whinnying and be more proactive about my needs in the friendship. Or I can cut the stupid boy off and actualize my potential. Moreover, I can demand that my time at work be valued with a higher salary. This sounds so easy but only creates chaos.

If I created a task list today, it would include: finish master’s, pay off debt, keep kids in good schools, increase my income, and seek or keep emotionally supportive relationships. Really these are not tasks just a list of goals but they seem so tangible and are like glaring deficiencies that should be corrected.

Reality Check: In “real” life, there will always be background noise or distractions. It is working through those that makes us champions.