Distraction can be characterised in degrees.
A degree of distraction can be likened to a degree of deviance from one’s intended focus or goal. For example, a minor distraction, such as a brief notification sound from a smartphone, may cause a slight pause in focus but allows for relatively quick re-engagement with the task at hand. On the other hand, a major distraction, such as a sudden emergency or getting sucked into YouTube videos, causes a significant shift away from the intended focus and might even lead to abandoning the original task or goal.
Distractions can be seen as ranging on a spectrum.
This spectrum can be compared to Aristotle’s idea of potentiality and actuality, where potentiality refers to the capacity to change, and actuality refers to the realised state of being. A minor distraction might only lead to a potential deviation from the goal, while a major distraction might actualise that deviation.
Moreover, a Stoic perspective can provide insight into why being distracted can keep one away from being focused on a goal. The Stoics emphasise virtue and wisdom, which entail understanding the things within one’s control and focusing on them to lead a good life.
If distractions – particularly those that are major or frequent – are allowed to intervene, they pull one’s focus away from the things within their control. This can lead to wasted effort and energy, clouded judgement, and diminished progress towards the goal, demonstrating how distractions disrupt focus.
Stay focused in order to win.
