Interruptions and Distractions

We often get frustrated when we can't get on with our work because of interruptions and a distractions. But what are the differences between the two?

Generally, an Interruption is something that happens to you. The phone rings, and e-mail comes in, somebody visits your desk. All of these are imposed on you from someone or something else.

A distraction is something that you choose to pay attention to. You may be browsing the web, and click on an advert that catches your attention. You may walk by a television during your break and start watching the football game.

Although both of these take our minds away from what we should be doing, distractions are things that we choose to pay attention to.

That doesn't mean that we can't cut down on interruptions. We can put our phone onto voicemail, disable our Instant Message program and close the office door.