Reading Tip:

• Surf The Urge

Ever find yourself reading a book but then you get the urge to check your email or social media?

It's like some magnetic power is pulling you away from the book and towards something else.

Well, here's how surfing can help:

This reading tip comes from Nir Eyal, author of "Indistractable."

After 5 years of research, he discovered that distractions (at least internal ones) all come from a feeling of discomfort.

In other words, when life gets uncomfortable we deal with it by seeking a distraction.

Ex:

Maybe you're reading a book that's mentally challenging & making you think deeply about a subject.

That may make you uncomfortable or be too difficult for you, and thus, your brain wants to avoid that pain by seeking a distraction (ie. check social media).

Next time you're feeling an urge to distract yourself, here's what to do.

First, take notice of the sensation. Ask yourself, what discomfort are you feeling (boredom, anxiety, mental fatigue, etc.).

Then, ride it like a wave.

(don't push it away but don't act on it either)

Here's the kicker:

• You only need to surf the urge for 10-minutes

After 10 minutes, you can act on it if you wish.

The goal here isn't to completely avoid the urge, it's to teach your mind to deal with discomfort in a reflective way rather than a reactive one.

Here's a recent personal example:

I'm rereading a book to prepare for a podcast.

This means I'm reading material I've seen before (somewhat boring at times) but also trying to come up with unique questions (mentally difficult).

I'm trying to come up with an interesting way to phrase a question, but I'm stuck.

And here comes discomfort.

• I want to check my email.
• I want to check my Instagram.
• I want to do anything that will distract me to get rid of this uncomfortable feeling.

BUT...

I don't give in.

I check my watch and tell myself I can survive for 10 minutes.

I get back to the book, mark the page to come back later, and keep on reading.

When the 10 minutes is up, then I finally let myself act on my urge.

The best part is that sometimes the urge will disappear.

Instead of waiting 10 mins, I'll go 20-30 mins without getting distracted.

It's a simple yet effective tip anyone can do.

So the next time you feel a wave of distraction:

• Notice it and surf it away

PS:

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This week I'll be sharing 3 lessons & 3 actionable pieces of advice from "Indistractable." http://alexandbooks.com/newsletter