The Reboot Day 1 – Distractions

Jun 042012

I have a problem.

I tend to get sucked into certain TV shows. On Netflix. Where you can watch them back to back. Every night.

First, it was Felicity back when I was first married. A friend lent me her Felicity DVD set, and I watched almost all of it in a week.

Then there was the show 24. My husband and I only had one little babe and she went to bed at 6:30 every night. We had just moved into a new house and everything was in boxes. Instead of unpacking, we sat and watched all the episodes of 24 on DVD. We were seriously sleep deprived during this time, staying up until 2am each night.

Fast forward to this past fall when we got a streaming Netflix subscription. I found Bones, and proceeded to watch every episode within a two months time. I didn’t get much done during those months, as you can imagine.

And you know what I’ve been doing the past two weeks? Watching Felicity. Again.

I know. It’s sad, really. So sad in fact that I cancelled my Netflix subscription because clearly my self-control levels are at an all-time low. With the cancelled subscription and no access to any channels, I just lowered my distraction levels significantly. My husband is proud.

There are a million and one things to distract us from being productive, some are even good distractions (our children, our husbands). But we all know there are distractions that just kill our time and waste our life. Yes, we all need to take a break sometimes and relax, and let ourselves be distracted for a time. But on the whole, distractions can really mess with you, suck you in, and keep you from living.

Or just doing the things you need to do.

What is sucking the life from your productivity? What do you know you need to lay down the law about and get serious about walking away from? How are your time redeeming skills?

“Show me, Lord, my life’s end
and the number of my days;
let me know how fleeting my life is.
You have made my days a mere handbreadth;
the span of my years is as nothing before you.
Everyone is but a breath,
even those who seem secure.“

Psalm 39:4-5 NIV

Todays Challenges

Mary Challenge: Meditate on Psalm 39:4-5. What is your biggest time waster? What can you do to get rid of the distraction or lessen it? How many days do you have left, if you live until you’re 75? How do you want to use those days?

Martha Challenge: We’re starting with our bedrooms! Today, clean out your bedroom closet. Get rid of the clothes you don’t wear (be honest, are you really going to ever wear that shirt?) If this is a big job, split into two or three days. I’ll be posting all my before and after pics here.

Get Your Babes Involved: Find a way that your children can clean out your closet with you. My oldest (6) loves to organize (I know, I know, she didn’t get it from me) and so I’ll ask her to organize all my shoes in my closet when I’m done. I’m sure I’ll have some clothes I can give to my children as dress up clothes and let them play while I clean. Your children could fold clothes for the Goodwill bag, help you throw things out, or just color on the bed while you work. You could play some music and have a cleaning dance party (I love listening to music when I take on a big cleaning project…any cleaning project, actually).

Quick message on the heart of this series:

Can’t see the video? Click here.

What is your biggest distraction, currently, when it comes to caring for your home?

…

Find the original 31 Days to Clean here. Link up your blog with other rebooters here!

Photo Credit: Wiki

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Posted on:June 4, 2012 Homemaking, Motivotionals Add comments

Rosecraig79

I actually just finished 31 Days To Clean last week. Kinda. There were a couple of things I let slide because May is our busiest month. My bedroom closet was the biggest challenge I ignored. Super excited to start on it this time.

http://www.likeawarmcupofcoffee.com Sarah Mae

Perfect timing then!

http://joyfulmothering.net Christin

My biggest distraction is, ahem, the computer (but it’s getting better as I’m working at a schedule!)

http://www.likeawarmcupofcoffee.com Sarah Mae

Seriously. I understand that one!

http://www.averagehousewife.com/ Paula

My biggest distraction is the computer. Trying to keep up with the all social media is impossible. It would definitely better if I just step away.
http://www.lessonsfromivy.com/ KMLogan

Yahoo news articles are my biggest distraction, I keep contemplating making my net nanny block yahoo for that reason, maybe I should.

Monika D

Mmmm…I have a bit of an issue with those too. Usually at least three of the five articles that are showing look interesting to me. And then I often end up wasting time skimming through comments on the articles, because I want to know what the reactions of other people were!

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=686442200 Kristine McGuire

My biggest distractions are Facebook or The Food Network. I can lose entire days to either of those things if I’m not careful.
http://www.athomewithkim.com/ Kim | At Home With Kim

What a WONDERFUL series to run this summer! I am pinning this to process and chew on today. Great verses and great message. Looking SO forward to this series Sarah. Thanks!!

http://www.likeawarmcupofcoffee.com Sarah Mae

I’m looking forward to the series – it’s going to keep me accountable!

http://www.vanillahousewife.co.uk/ Vanilla Housewife

Definitely the computer/internet for me too! I have been considering setting a timer to ring so I know how long I have been on for. Otherwise the morning just ticks away with little getting done!
http://www.stronghaven.wordpress.com/ Lizzie

Facebook. I really need a timer to keep it under control, and then only once or twice a day. I have realized that my children see me on the computer AL the time, and hardly ever do they see me reading my Bible or singing these days. That has GOT to change. Thank you for focusing on the heart, because all the cleanliness in the world is worthless if we can’t have an inward peace that enables us to enjoy it. I can’t wait!
Jessica Holmes

This was perfect for me! I had already decided to give up Facebook for the month of June and then significantly limit it from then on. Then, I found out about your Reboot, so this morning, it was like God was just confirming what I’d decided to do. Thank you so much for doing this!
Gail

Yes I’m afraid I have been spending too much time in front of this screen. Today I cut back on my gbs by half so it will really slow down if I sit here for too long. I think it will take me a couple of days to do the closet but I’m going to do my best. And of course with the right attitude. Good luck everyone.
blessings Gail
http://worthdoinganyway.com/ Lori @ Worth Doing Anyway

My biggest distraction is definitely the internet. The worst part is that I try to have a “no screen time between 9 and 3″ rule for the kids, and then an hour computer/video game limit for my oldest after that, but then I go online during that time. It is just so easy to give half my attention to my kids and half to the computer, instead of doing the things I should be and really want to be doing. But I’m determined to start applying the screen time rule to myself!

And then, because I wasted so much time on the internet during the day, at night I end up doing the stuff I wish I’d made time for earlier: reading, writing, planning, crafts. So then I feel justified in staying up too late, because at night I tend to be doing productive things. It’s just that I should have done those things earlier in the day.

I really needed this reminder to get my internet time under control.
Sarah

I have exactly the same problem! Netflix. Streaming. My current show of choice has been Frasier. Before that, The Office. Before that it was Friends on DVD. Sometimes I’ll do the same thing with a book, I’ll finish it in a day. Heaven help me if it’s a series! So I had to put parameters around my reading. Clearly it’s time for that with Netflix as well.

I would also like to say I too had planned a little reboot of my own to start today. I too feel like this post was a little confirmation message from my Jesus. “Yes, it’s time. You can do it. I know things are hard right now, but you are not alone.”

Thank you, friend, for your honest words. They are well-timed indeed!
Kristytappendorf

Mine is books. I love to read to get lost in a new time and place. If I start to read I do not do anything else. I have solved this problem with audio books and audible. I can get so much done will I listen.
Sonja Maas

Thanks for doing this again. My heart and home really need it. My
biggest distraction is the Internet – both on the computer and my phone.
I’m often reading great things about how to be z better wife, mom, etc
but reading and looking for ideas distracts from doing!!

Jasonandsarahcooper

Oh, Sonja, me too! ”I’m often reading great things about how to be a better wife, mom, etc but reading and looking for ideas distracts from doing!!” YES!!

Beth Williams

My biggest distraction is internet games like hearts, backgammon. I just woke up one day and said no more in the AM. It has helped me get more done in morning and leave on time for work.

As for the Martha challenge–I already do that from time to time. People give me clothes and I have so many that they take up 2 closets, a full dresser & 3 drawers in another dresser, plus some in front hall closet. Periodically I look & see what doesn’t fit, what haven’t I worn in a while, etc. Then it goes to Goodwill or some other charity. I love getting rid of stuff & not having a ton of junk around the house.
Lisa Mather

Thank you for this post and the video! I think my biggest distraction is myself! Trying to justify my computer time as a necessity when in reality it’s an escape from reality.

Also, thank you for the video. I realize that my lack of cleaning consistently is my own heart and it’s selfishness and laziness. I’m already convicted and it’s only day 1!
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=604472055 Jennifer L Nilsson

Like another reader, the internet is my biggest distraction.
I NEED to be online for my business, but it seems like I can never keep focused on my task at hand and wonder off to find my ‘friends’ to chat and play, lol

GREAT topic to start the challenge with Sarah Mae!

I’m posting each day on this journey over on my blog:
http://lifejoyfilled.blogspot.com/2012/06/reboot-day-1-distractions.html
Lisa Mather

I do the exact same thing! I am so glad to know I’m not alone.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1181627972 Rebecca Pelka

OH MY GOODNESS, you have spoken to my weakness!!! I am so totally a netflix junkie!! when one series is over, i find another. and to be honest, when you said Felicity, my first thought was “i need to go add that to my queue!”. my hubby has suggested canceling it for the summer at least, but we are both so guilty of it in the evening! i dont want to cancel it b/c honestly, i am too exhausted at the end of the day to do anything else and i my brain is on melt down mode, so I LOVE having the “one eyed monster” to watch something mindless on. I no longer have to think, which is a great thing AT THE END OF THE DAY! my prob is controlling it during the rest of the day. i tell the kids “no” when they ask me for TV time bc i know what it does/can do. for goodness sakes, look at their mother…enough said!!
I am just soooo glad to here that someone else has the same, well, we will call it “addiction”, that i am struggling with! Thanks for the reboot. always love hearing your ideas and encouragement!
http://twitter.com/redmestic Audra B

My biggest distraction is fatigue. We stay up far too late at night (watching 24 again!) and the baby is up a lot through the night to nurse and now the older 2 (2 and 3 1/2) are waking as well. Once my rear finds the recliner after breakfast is done, inertia sets in. This object at rest would much rather stay at rest!
http://twitter.com/deborahbeddoe Deborah Beddoe

Oh yes. The internet. But also myself. I get really distracted when I do big jobs like cleaning my closet. I find things that I’ve missed, or run across important papers…or boxes of my writing that I have stuffed away…

http://www.likeawarmcupofcoffee.com Sarah Mae

That is the worst-stay focused!!!!

http://www.discoveringtogether.com Eyvonne

Loved! Felicity! Right there with ya! My family discovered Lost on Netflix about 6 years late. I was glad when it was over so we could get our lives back!

For me, I always feel like there is so much more important work to do than cleaning closets, or laundry or the bathroom. I’ve always set it up as an “either/or” scenario. But, I’m learning that a certain level of clean (but not perfection) increases productivity!
petejessnewland

Thanks for your ministry and motivation! My biggest distraction is the internet, so I am trying to stick to a 12 hour challenge. I “try” to stay offline between the hours of 9am and 9pm when my kiddos and housework need me most! I’m here with you blogging and cleaning, thanks for all you do! Praying for your writing & cleaning.
Here’s my time management goals for this week. http://jessnewland.blogspot.com/2012/06/goals-for-this-week.html
Javajanekool

My biggest distraction is Facebook games and Netflix and HuluPlus. Thank you, for this challenge. I have some “hotspots” that really need to be taken care of…they have needed to be taken care of, for a while. I am going to try to keep up with this challenge.
Carri

Thank you for your honesty. I’m having the same problem. I just discovered the Biggest Loser on Netflix and I was watching, thinking, I’ve already seen this, What am I doing? Thanks for the reboot: I’m with you!
Jills Home Remedies

My biggest distraction is the computer!
joyfullyinhim

Oh how easily I am distracted by such simple things in my day… I am so encouraged by your video. Knowing that your heart is for our hearts motivates me to really dig in deep with this challenge. Thank you for doing this!
Stephanie Glidden

Biggest distraction: lack of focus! So I have a bunch of things going on in every room of the house then I get overwhelmed and quit. And go on Twitter. And Facebook…well you know! :)
http://www.facebook.com/simpsonroad Cheryl Simpson

The heart is what drives everything. Digging deep and asking the tough questions is a great place to start. I know I don’t follow through on much of anything if my heart isn’t involved. My biggest distraction is letting myself get distracted. I need to write down my plans before I head out in a direction. I think I am meandering from one thing to the next rather than being purposeful. But if I were to pick one thing that sucks my time, it would be my computer and iPad–they are very useful AND very distracting.
Chris

My iPhone is my enemy during the day I think, and just fatigue. On my phone I can check facebook, email, instagram…. And beyond that, I’m 5 1/2 months pregnant and chasing a 19 month old around. Sometimes, once I sit down, I can’t pry myself out of the chair!
For those with Netflix on a lot (or just TV)… we used to watch PBS Kids almost all day. My daughter would watch a little, play a little, etc. I started putting on Pandora radio in the mornings… Jeremy Camp channel, or Jesus Loves Me by Cedarmont Kids channel, or anything with praise music. It fills us up with good messages & words, my daughter loves it. But there’s nothing to “watch” so I can be in the kitchen doing some work, she’ll play near me or in her playroom… and there is nothing so sweet as my baby first thing in the morning bringing me her bible to read and then, once we’re done, asking for her “Jesus music.” It has really helped us get away from TV!
Elizabethphillipsmom

Thank you Sarah, This hit me today right where God intended it to. I have a dream & a goal to write my Devotional for the Lord. But, I have been procrastinating the typing part. Last night I was praying Lord show me what is holding me back and let me let go of it. Today this blog woke my heart, I need to let go of TV and get to work testifying for the Lord. My Goal is 4 days a week 1-2 hrs a day WRITE/TYPE —while Trinity my 5 yr old has her tv time. Then I will complete my goal to have this written and turned in to my Editor by September!!!! I am thankful to have met you through a friend who said I should learn from you —thanks Sister, I am learning from you.Elizabeth—new Author for Christ.
http://eachdaygodsway.wordpress.com/ Leah

Wow – I never realized I had so many kindred spirits in the distraction department! I suffer from the time sucker called the Internet as well… God has been pointing this out to me for a while, even using my wonderful 7-year-old as the messenger at times. I, too, am working on a schedule – I am a new blogger and therefore I do need some computer/Internet time. Setting limits has never been my strong suit, but with the Lord’s help I can do this. Thanks so much for sharing your heart and your wisdom with us!
Johanna @ Mama Chocolate

Haha! We canceled our Netflix subscription recently for the same reason WAY to easy to let movies or TV shows suck our lives away with it…and yeah, apparently we don’t have the self-control to just use it in moderation either. (We’ve tried)

The computer is definitely my top distraction, though. Unfortunately I HAVE to use it for things, so I MUST learn self-control on this one.
Rosann

Sarah Mae, every time I read a post from you I feel like we could have grown up together! Lol! Can I just tell you how completely addicted to 24 my husband and I were. I totally miss that show and was so upset when it came to an end. Although, I do think it was necessary. How many terrorist attacks can you write a TV show about while keeping it fresh and original?

I also wanted to say how timely this post is. I just eliminated a huge project from my life because I felt it was distracting me from doing the things that are most glorifying to God and His plan for me. It was so hard to let go and feel like I let others down, but I just had to make the move and through tears I felt God’s hand of peace cover me while I took a deep breath and acted in obedience.

Anyway, I’m going to try to take the challenges with you and everyone else. (now that my schedule has a little extra time in it and my house is something needing attention)

Blessings to you on this journey, friend!
~Rosann
Jennifer

My computer is my biggest distraction. I love love love the information I can find on this fantastic machine, especially right now while I am pregnant and diabetic. But it is a huge drain on my time (I’ve already wasted at least an hour on it this morning…and I’ve only been awake for an hour and 45 minutes). And how PERFECT that we are starting in our own closets. My closet is the one place we have really avoided cleaning out because in addition to clothes, we use it as storage for those things we don’t really want but aren’t ready to part with yet. It will definitely take me more than 1 day to complete this project.
http://joyfulcontentment.wordpress.com/ Elizabeth Sadosky

I am distracted by everything when it comes to taking care of my house–netflix, facebook, blogs,books,video games–I have rheumatoid arthritis so in the mornings I can’t move very freely and I tend to get caught up in any of those things. I need to work on putting those distractions aside when my body gets more mobile in the afternoons!! And really pushing to get things accomplished when I have the boost of energy in the early evenings!
Berta

Your comment about how much time till I turn 75 hit me hard because I am four months past 74. My big time wasters are the computer and TV. Thanks for this start as it will take several days but last week I started on my closet. This will motivate me to complete the job.
Carole Smith

I am so happy that this is more about the heart than “cleaning” because I truly feel out hearts are what need to be re-organized first! My biggest distraction… MYSELF! I let fear of failing get in my way WAY too much. I fear I will not clean good enough, my home won’t be perfect enough, my writing not good enough, and on and on. And when I fear, I freeze and I don’t do what I think I can’t be good enough at!

Thank you so much for giving your time to us to encourage our hearts!
-Carole
http://www.facebook.com/sarah.croy.75 Sarah Croy

Oh my goodness, you have no idea – I have the exact same problem. With a husband who works graveyard I get lonely and end up turning Bones, Crossing Jordan, or some other ENDLESS show on Net flix, and before I know it it’s 12 or later. I’ve wanted a tv free home for years, but then God pointed out to me ” Are you willing to do what you want them to?”. And so this month, other than a specific movie hubby wants to see together, I am t.v. free. It’s going to be a long month, but Lord willing with a significant mind shift. Thanks for being real!
Terra Wiseman

Oh my, this is so ironic that this is your first post for this! I have been distracted all morning by the stupid internet! Not that it all wasn’t somewhat purposeful but I definitely spent more time on here than I intended and I’m just now getting to your email! Well, since I’m still in my pj’s I’m off to take a shower and then get started on this! And thankfully my wonderful children are still getting their schoolwork done and are not starving!
Pamela

mine is books. Once I start reading a story I can not put the book down. My nose is glued to the book.
My Dear husband knows I love books, so he got me a nook color for Valentines Day. I have read 8 to 9 books already. I am in the Anne of Green Gables series. I am already on book 3. I have to make myself stop and take a small break. A couple of years ago I read over 60 books. I am a fast reader but if I allow it to, it can eat up so much of my time.
Sarah S.

Thanks for this Sarah! I get distracted by so many things and this really spoke to my heart. It’s also nice to know sometimes that I’m not the only wife and mama out there that gets nothing done during the day sometimes because I’m distracted by something.
Alicia

This spoke to my heart, and totally convicted me!! I seriously could have written this post!! Wow..total confirmation for me!!!!
http://timewithtracy.com/ Time With Tracy

I love everything about this. Count me in!
http://twitter.com/scatteredgraces Jen McAllister

Love how many people are in the same boat as me…look at all these comments already Sarah Mae! You are so inspirational!

After getting your ebook last fall, I had an injury and was on bed rest for 6 months. Now, with 5 children (one an infant) I’ve a LOT of “catching up” to do. When kids are little, 6 months of growing means my kids really have no clothes that fit…and closets jammed with the offshoots. And dust. Oh my. I need a little kick in the pants (gentle, I have broken my pelvis, pubis and hip in the last 3 years) to get going. Glad to see that there are MANY people taking on these challenges -

and the heart. Reflecting on my time wasters – well, right now it’s rocking a baby who is growing all too quickly. But TV, thankfully, isn’t my big one any longer. It used to be – but 6 months without a tv cured me of that. Although, twitter may be my new “time waster.” Although I am learning to limit it.

Thank you for taking on the challenge of writing the ebook (and now book-book) to help those of us with perfectionist paralysis and those of us with habits of sloppiness. My heart is ready for the change in perspective.

Pamela

I have five children also. My oldest is 8 and my youngest is 9 mnths old. I also have a two year old. I can not imagine being injured and having five kids at the same time, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

Darby Dugger

Love this! I deactivated my personal facebook page and handed over my books’ page to an administrator because Facebook was too much of a distraction and time waster for me!
http://www.exceptionalistic.com/ Kelly

I love it! I’m definitely going to follow along. I would say my biggest distraction is trying to do it all. I know that doesn’t quite make sense but anything I do for me ends up on the back burner. I stay up late with my husband and get up early with the kids. I’m running myself ragged!
Pamela

I got my closet clean and organized added some clothes to the donation box that we will drop off at the end of the month. ( I donate stuff twice a year.) Now, I am going to go straiten out my husband’s closet
http://www.ordinaryinspirations.blogspot.com/ Traci Michele

I did this a few weeks ago woo hoo! Oh, and I’ll have to check out Felicity. or errr… maybe I won’t. I’ve been talking about getting rid of Netflix….

http://www.anordinarymom.com/ ali @ an ordinary mom

I was thinking that too… “Hmm, I’ve never seen Felicity. Not sure I’ve even heard of it. I’ll have to look it up… No, wait… I shouldn’t even start…”

Netflix has been a bit of an issue here as well. Sigh.

http://www.indueseason.net skottydog

Our distractions, lovely as they are, are named Ryan and Jack! As we are tearing up the closet, they are tearing up the living room behind us! The mayhem is just moving room to room right now.

Kids aside, we typically move our junk from room to room when we clean. We never really declutter so much as move the clutter around! This month we are determined to have the entire house clean at the same time.

We’re only about halfway through Day 1 project— I’m hiding in the bathroom to post this, since it was my idea to sign up and Kathy is doing most of the work!
Christine Bryant

I’m really not liking this…no, for real…AM. NOT. LIKING. IT. ONE. BIT…first I was all gun-ho with you until I saw Martha’s task…I may not be able to do ANYTHING else if I complete this task…I’m nervous about it …even If I split it up into 2-3 days…smh…I’m the type that creates a replica of the effect of a hurricane hitting before it even looks like I’ve any bit of cleaning…so, ma’am…I don’t like it.
http://twitter.com/JulieSunne1 Julie Sunne

Definitely Internet/Social media currently although many other things have been in the past. I watch almost no TV because of the addiction piece. Alas, Internet is pretty much a requirement for editing/writing. Praying for more self-control in this area. Thanks for the encouragement.
Charity Gonzalez

Thanks again for doing this challenge. I am beginning to feel as if cleaning is taking over my life and I just need to get my heart into the right place about this. My main distraction is the computer/my smart phone. While I love connecting with people online and getting great ideas for my home and life via pinterest, they have become a huge distraction. So much so that I often will be on my phone while talking to my husband or someone else. Even though my mind knows this is rude and distracting me from really connecting to the people I love.

So cleaning out my closet was not as big of a challenge as I am sure it was for some. At the beginning of 2012 I turned all my hangers the wrong direction and would turn them back the right way when I wore that item. This really helped me see what I was wearing and what needed to go. My struggle now is going to be trying to be purposeful in buying things for my closet, instead of just impulse buying.

This was a great start to the challenge! looking forward to tomorrows post!
Theoneandonlyamyjo

My biggest distraction is probably other work! I am always switching gears, working on my ebay sales, checking the laundry, feeding the kids, chasing the dog, I struggle to stay focused on one task at a time! I did manage to finish my closet today though! Thanks!!!
http://www.zayth.com/ Melissa

My biggest distraction is, without a doubt, the internet and my giant to-do list that I can’t seem to wade through. However, that tells me right there that probably 90% of my to-do list isn’t something that must be accomplished. I should be focusing on being with my girls, making a mess WITH them, and then cleaning it up WITH them as well!
Cherie

I have a different connection to this post. The show Felicity is my all time favorite show—right next to Little House on the Prairie. I own all 4 seasons but haven’t watched them in years. My husband, never having seen the show, allowed me to pick out our first born daughter’s name and I couldn’t wait to meet my own Felicity. And I can’t wait to watch Felicity with my Felicity. It’s an awesome show! But yes—cleaning out closets and getting things done is better than watching Felicity—for now—a new season will come where watching back to back episodes about Ben vs. Noel will be well worth it!
http://reachtothemoonandback.blogspot.com/ Dusty

Closet done! I really need to get to the kids’ closet too, but I think I’ll start that project tomorrow or this weekend!

http://www.likeawarmcupofcoffee.com Sarah Mae

WOOT!

Gina

I could watch “Sense and Sensibility” – the Jane Austen movie with Emma Thompson over and over and over…..and over…and over and over…and over….uh huh. And have actually done so. And over…

http://www.likeawarmcupofcoffee.com Sarah Mae

I love that movie!

Monika D

I can relate completely. I’ve also been thinking about cancelling my netflix membership. I watch movies while washing dishes and folding laundry at night. I like having something to entertain me while I’m doing those mundane tasks, but I know in the back of my mind that my time would be better spent listening to a sermon online or something similar. Also, wanting to watch something on netflix at night does nothing to discourage me from letting the laundry and dishes pile up far more than they should…after all, the more work there is do, the longer I get to watch…
http://ellasmom505.blogspot.com/ Sarah

I was hysterically laughing about the whole Felicity thing because that is what I watched and got obsessed with when I had my first child. And the other day I was thinking, I should watch that one again. That was a good series!
My biggest distraction is the same as most peoples and it is the computer. BUT, I feel like God is guarding my heart because I do not have a smart phone. So, when I am feeling the distraction, I can simply take my kids outside or to a park and there is nothing else but them on my mind. Part of me wants one, but I could see it being dangerous for me (like you were saying with Netflix…I don’t think I’d have self control).
The other thing that I struggle with is that I truly am reading spiritual and uplifting things. Getting to know the Lord and strengthening my faith thanks to the internet…but, I don’t know where the fine line is. Is there such a thing as spending too much time learning about Christ? It would be interesting to hear someones thoughts who spends a lot of time researching the Bible and studying THeology.
http://seasonedjoy.com/ Sheila

Mine is the computer, or more specifically the internet. It still counts even if I’m accessing it through my iPod instead of a laptop!
http://thehomemakerproject.com/ Rebecca Busenitz

Loved connecting the Mary to the Martha. My distractions are much deeper, and much more painful. Today was a wonderful encouragement. Thanks Sarah!
Janine White

I am so glad this Day 1 challenge was cleaning the closet. I re-read the book and saw clean fridge and almost quit. I know eventually I would have to face that, but it seemed a huge task for a first day! Cleaning my closet was more doable, and my hubby even got rid of a few of his clothes too. If we weren’t doing that, we’d both be on our laptops surfing the web or FB. That is probably our biggest time waster.
http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1048874492 Ruth Lewis

My 3 yo, Hannah, is delighted that you have a heart just like she does. I think my biggest distraction when it comes to housework is my children! It sounds terrible to say. However, it seems like when I begin in a task in one area, they begin to take another area apart or use the opportunity to begin needling each other. We’re working on the issue. Hoping for big strides forward this year!
Shelly @ Frugal Family Home

I am really glad I found this. I wanted to keep up with my housework over the summer and this is a great motivator for me. My biggest distraction is not staying on task. I get distracted by others things and nothing gets done. I am getting better but somedays I have many tasks started and none completed.
Shannon

My biggest distraction during school months is college. With both my kids in school I went back and it is hard to have it all on our plate as all us mommy’s know. So mid august through mid may is college homework. It takes up so much time.

Mud nay through mid august the kids are home so outside is a big distraction we love being outside as much as possible and hanging out with friends!

Shannon

That should read mid may not mud nay. Typing on the tablet. Sorry

Alison Hoyle

My biggest two distractions are facebook I can spend hours replying to posts and playing games on there, my other distraction is children’s activities I am always taking them somewhere, gym/trampolining/school/preschool so i have very little time at home. When I am at home I can’t always do housework especially if i have my oldest two who have autism as I need to be involved with them and trying to prevent my middle son from killing his older brother (not literally they get into fights) or his younger sister/brother from feeling that he has taken over and not allowing them to do what they want to do.
Guest

Thank you my heart needs this! My distraction is the internet as that is my way of focusing on something else!

I have never enjoyed cleaning even before i was a christian and even when i was younger and use to look down upon it.Now i am married and have 2 childrem i still STRUGGLE with it and get sad and discouraged as i feel i don’t master thgis area incomparison to my peers! I guess my issue is how i view it and wanting a medal when i do do it beacuase i fight so hard to do it.

I mean i wait to feel motivated and that HARDLY comes so i clean because i HAVE to which makes me even more sad as i really don’t enjoy it.
http://4SmartyPants.com/ Mac

I loved the book and I’m so glad you’re sharing this reboot with us! Wanted to let you know, we featured your project on 4SmartyPants.com today. Thanks for the great work!
Katie Picciottoli

Wow – this could be me! I hate Netflix Streaming because it (and Bones, Psych, etc) only give more opportunity for my lack of self control to wrestle me to the ground. So I really have to wrestle back!! My pitfall is nursing my baby girl. I fall asleep and wake with a crick in my neck 3 hours later if I don’t KEEP myself awake during evening night and early morning feedings. TV is great for this but not so great for my soul or my housework duties. Lately I’ve been reading exciting biographies (Evidence Not Seen – READ IT! WOW!) when it’s light, and watching sermons at night (I still resort to TV when I’m super-sleepy).

My biggest distraction from my household duties is my 3 yo boy right now, but he’s a higher priority so I’m just trying to push through and be faithful to him. Any advice on keeping a high-octane young’un contained while you clean out your closets? I’ve tried the drawing on the bed thing and it ain’t happening. Books on tape maybe – he loves The Velveteen Rabbit…
Rachel

Just found your blog today. I am very excited to tell you that I cleared off not only my dresser, but my husband’s as well, and our nightstands, and my jewelry armoire! Our bedroom looks so neat! ….now if it will only stay this way. Looking forward to reading more!