We can get distracted in many ways, but there is a common pattern that shows up in many different forums.
Today, just like every other day around 5:30, I'm going out to catch the sunset.
Sometimes, if I go see it in a noisy area, I like to take my earplugs with me -just to make sure that I get to enjoy it.
In case you don't know what they are, this is a pair of puffy foam-like material that you stick into your ear and it suppresses external noise. Pretty efficient if you work in construction or if you're married.
I get dressed, I take my backpack, I take my headphones, I'm ready to go.
Then I realize I didn't take my earplugs; I start looking for them.
I look here, I look there -five minutes pass. I don't find them; I look at the clock; It's 5:12 minutes.
I still have time so I continue to look.
I go in the kitchen, I go in the living room, I go in the bathroom, I return to the bedroom. Nothing.
I'm a persistent guy so I become creative; I look under the bed, clothes pockets; I still don't find them; It's 5:30.
I think about the spare pair I have in a drawer, I could go right now. I could find them later -I tell myself. I checked the drawer yes they're here; I could take this and leave right now, but it intrigues me that I can not find them -This is weird, where could they be? I keep searching.
I restart my house; in the kitchen, I take everything out from the fridge, maybe they're in some bag; again in the bathroom. I look in totally new places. again the living room, Nothing; Back to the bedroom; now I'm pissed.
I've become a detective. Hmmm... I look under the table, under the chair, under the bed? Neah!
One more time clothes, pockets. Maybe I missed them. I look in the closet; I look everywhere. Nothing. Damn!
Time is 5:45
I'm thinking again about the spare pair but I simply cannot understand where could they be;
One more time.
I try to get even more creative. I adjust my strategy, I search in places that I would usually not search
still nothing it's 6 pm. Perfect! I just missed the sunset.
The Lesson? Tomorrow.
To be continued.