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I always sit at my desk to study and I had kept my textbook open. I promised myself that I would study for two hours maximum or maybe one hour minimum. But the moment I began to study the war began too. My phone started to buzz about a new video being uploaded to YouTube on my favourite YouTubers channel. Then again a notification popped about "One new message from my friends group” my mind at the moment convinced me that maybe I should just take a quick snack first.

After a while I could not hear any silence but an army of voices and that was marching straight into my focus. Well, to be honest the distractions didn’t even come from outside they actually came from my own head.

I was feeling frustrated and wondering how do people manage to stay focused anymore in the world full of distraction. Then I remembered something that my father once told me that "Don’t fight distractions, disarm them before they show up," and this thought of his changed everything in my life.

First, I picked up my phone, set it in my parents room, and told them to hide it somewhere I wouldn't know. After that I came back in my room to study, in the beginning silence felt uncomfortable because I was kinda feeling that I was missing a limb. But slowly, I realized that my concentration was back. So, I learned that I should not keep temptations within my arm’s reach. Like you can't focus if the distraction is nearby.

Then, I made a list of targets that I am planning to study on, I made few points to discuss about and learn. It was small enough not to feel overwhelming. For the first time, I was feeling relived that I have studied properly. Meanwhile, I allowed a five-minute break. Because I didn't want to get a headache or bored. I must admit that each focused burst felt like winning a skirmish.

I scribbled “Check later” on a sticky note so that I won't feel like looking for my phone. My craving for my phone quieted down once it was written down. I realized my thoughts are really obeying me. In a while I felt the calmness in my head.

After finishing my study it felt different like something lighter. I was not exhausted at all. My father was right and I was glad to listen to his advices. Distraction is a choice if we don't allow it then it will not happen.

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