The Tribune

Most would agree that we are living in a time of unprecedented distractions. Today we are offered an ocean of technology that produces gizmos and gadgets that those generations before us could never have imagined.

However, the challenge is that these gadgets relentlessly jockey for attention. The more gadgets people acquire, the more distracted they seem to become. In time, many find themselves overwhelmed; unable to switch their gadgets off in order to give their lives their full attention.

The key point here is, when it comes to your life, there is no neutral ground. You are either in control or you are out of control. Similarly, when it comes to any distractions, you are either dominating those distractions or being dominated by those distractions.

I find that people are often so mesmerised by the idea of the latest gadget that they literally forget that it is designed to serve them, not the other way around. It is rather ironic that an era of technological advances appears to prevent many from actually advancing due to their lack of focus.

What is even more interesting is that the vast majority of people seem to prefer to remain on the consumption end of this very fluid technological environment. This means that even though there is room and opportunity to be on the creator/developer end of this technology equation, the majority opts to stand in line waiting for the release of the next new device.

As such, if you are going to remain on the consumer end of things, isn’t it of value to dominate your consumption?

You cannot live an empowered life if you are not dominating your consumption and mastering your distractions. Self-control is a key leadership principle. Leaders must know when to say when. Take a look at the horrific results of accidents due to drivers who cannot master their consumption of alcohol. Even more alarming is a recent survey by the US AAA which indicates that six out of 10 teen crashes involve driver distraction.

The habit of driving through life with undue distractions or consumption causes you to lose focus. It is, at best, ineffective. You must be willing to take control of how you allow things to dominate your life, be it a device or substance.

If you surrender your power to over to the thing, that thing will certainly take power over you. Recognise that time is fleeting. Once this day is gone, it is gone forever. Without your focused attention your life stands still.

In many ways people don’t own all of the latest gadgets; the latest gadgets own them. They dominate and direct what they do; if they do it and how they do it.

No doubt, this era of amazing technology will continue to expand and produce more innovative devices. This is a good thing. However, you must remember that you are the master of your domain. In this context, the main domain to be mastered is the domain of your mind. You are responsible for the direction of your life and you determine how any device will serve you.

Leader to leader, make today the day that you begin to dominate your distractions. Fail to do so, and you will remain dominated by them. This is your decision.

Your ability to dominate distractions and deliberately direct your attention is a major step to living an empowered life. Yes, you can do it!

• Michelle M Miller is a certified life coach, communication and leadership expert. Visit www.michellemmiller.com; mail can be sent to PO Box CB-13060.