Business Lessons from “Indistractable” by Nir Eyal

While I was on holiday a few weeks ago I read the book “Indistractable” by Nir Eyal. I find that I can get distracted very easily and this is mostly down to technology. The endless notifications, the emails, the attraction of a “quick” scroll on social media and I’m sure I’m not alone in this. The problem is that these constant distractions can leave us feeling overwhelmed and struggling to stay connected and focussed.

Nir Eyal’s book looks at how we can reclaim control over our time and attention. The book dives deep into the psychology of distraction, explaining why we lose focus and, more importantly, how we can overcome it to become more productive and effective. As business owners, the lessons in this book are particularly relevant and in this blog I am going to explore some the takeaways from the book and how they can help you to regain control of your time and focus.

Understanding the Root of Distraction

One of the key takeaways from ‘Indistractable’ is the idea that distraction is not just about the external world bombarding us with notifications, emails, or interruptions. In fact, Eyal argues that much of our distraction is internally driven. This means that we often seek distractions to avoid uncomfortable emotions like boredom, frustration, or stress.

In a business context, this internal distraction can manifest in procrastination or avoidance of important but difficult tasks. For example, instead of working on strategic planning or business growth, we might find ourselves buried in less important tasks, such as responding to emails or attending unnecessary meetings. These activities give us a sense of being busy, but they often don’t move the needle on our bigger goals.

As business owners, it’s essential to recognise when we’re using distractions as a coping mechanism and learn how to stay focused on high-impact activities that drive the business forward.

The Importance of Timeboxing

One of the most practical strategies Eyal suggests for overcoming distractions is timeboxing. This technique involves allocating specific blocks of time to work on tasks, ensuring that you dedicate uninterrupted focus to each activity. By assigning time to important tasks in advance, you can prevent distractions from derailing your day.

In business, timeboxing can be a game-changer. Whether it’s setting aside focused time for strategic planning, meeting with key clients, or even personal development, timeboxing ensures that these crucial tasks get the attention they deserve.

We talk to our clients about having a default diary for their work day but this timeblocking extends into our home diaries too.I recommend this approach to business owners as a way to take control of your calendar rather than letting the demands of the day control you. By structuring your day with intentionality, you’ll not only increase productivity but also ensure that you’re spending time on what truly matters to the success of your business.

Setting Traction Over Distraction

A major theme in ‘Indistractable’ is the concept of traction. Eyal defines traction as any action that moves you closer to your goals, while distraction is anything that pulls you away. Understanding this distinction can be revolutionary for how you manage your business.

In business, distractions can take many forms. It might be a shiny new opportunity that diverts your attention, or it could be spending too much time on non-essential operational tasks. The key is to focus on the actions that will create traction—activities that align with your long-term vision and goals.

When you become clear about what drives traction in your business, you can better identify and eliminate distractions that are holding you back from reaching your potential.

Managing External Triggers

Another insight is the idea of managing external triggers. These are the things in your environment that prompt you to lose focus, such as your phone buzzing, an email notification popping up, or even someone walking into your office with a “quick question.”

Eyal recommends creating an environment that reduces these external triggers. As a business owner, this might involve turning off unnecessary notifications, setting clear boundaries with your team about when you’re available, or creating focused workspaces where interruptions are limited.

A key part of effective leadership is modelling these behaviours for your team. If your staff sees you constantly distracted by your phone or jumping from one task to another, they may adopt the same habits. However, if you show discipline in your focus and protect your time, you’ll foster a more productive culture within your business.

Building Focused Teams

The lessons from the book aren’t just applicable to you as a business owner—they also apply to your team. One of the best ways to improve overall productivity is to help your employees become indistractable too. This means encouraging them to focus on high-priority tasks and teaching them strategies to manage their own distractions.

As a business coach, I often work with leaders to help them create a culture of focus within their teams. This involves setting clear expectations around communication, prioritising tasks effectively, and ensuring that everyone understands how their work contributes to the company’s larger goals. When your team is focused, the entire business runs more efficiently.

The Power of Saying “No”

One of the strategies from the book that I have struggled with is learning to say “no.” As business owners, we’re often tempted to take on too much, whether it’s new projects, client requests, or additional responsibilities. But by saying “yes” to everything, we dilute our focus and spread ourselves too thin.

Eyal’s book teaches us that being indistractable means protecting your time and attention by learning to say “no” to distractions—even the ones that seem important. As a business coach, I encourage owners to set boundaries and prioritise the work that aligns with their goals. It’s about making choices that serve your long-term success rather than getting caught up in the demands of the moment.

Reclaim Your Focus, Reclaim Your Business

It would be wrong of me to say that you can avoid all distractions – we live in a world where we are surrounded by them but by applying the principles from ‘Indistractable’—whether it’s timeboxing, managing triggers, or building a culture of focus—you can regain control over your time and attention.

I’m trying really hard to limit the distractions from my technology. I’ve started wearing an old watch that means I don’t have to check my phone for the time when I’m out and about, and I’m not distracted by the notifications on a smart watch either! I am also testing out time blocking outside of work – it’s taking me a bit of time to get used to planning my day in this way but I can see how it will be beneficial in the long term.

By integrating these strategies into your daily routines and leadership practices, you’ll not only become more productive but also unlock the full potential of your business.