Diverted or Distracted?

We saw the repeated television coverage of Sully Sullenberger’s jet plane landing on the Hudson River due to that flock of Canadian Geese disabling the engines.

(or maybe just saw the movie “Sully”..?)

Diversions are a choice we make (to head for the airport or to land in the river?)

Being diverted is not the same as being distracted!

Distractions are usually self-inflicted, due to a lack of focus or clear understanding of what we are trying to do. (to respond to that text or to stay on task?)

Diversions are a choice while distractions just seem to show up.

It’s like that old saying that when you’re up to your “neck” in alligators, it’s difficult to remind yourself that your original objective was to drain the swamp!

But when we remember where we are going and what we’re trying to accomplish, we can use our foresight to divert our time and attention to a “safe place” so we can get our bearings again and make sure that people in our care are safe.

Like Sully, we can divert from our original plan when it’s appropriate.

But when we want to stay on course, ignoring the distractions is what we need to do.

And so we can then save our chosen diversions for when

•  we can’t see clearly,
• are having mechanical issues or
• don’t feel that continuing on our current “flight plan” is in the best interests of all involved.

Life is about today’s living of it, not the planning for it nor the regretting of it. And this is where we want quality…

• in our relationships,
• with our problem solving, and
• (not to be forgotten) with fun and enjoyment!

If we’re not on the final approach for any of those,  we need to determine whether we’ve been distracted or diverted…then get back on course.

We still have time to make a successful landing.

Don’t we?