Distractions!
While I’m sitting behind my desktop to calculate how much I earned last year via Hive – a task that’s not exactly in my top ten favorite activities – the world around me is conspiring to sabotage my concentration.
First, it’s Skipper, my faithful companion, who loudly announces that the waste paper is being collected. As if it’s his personal mission to remind me that there’s a dynamic world outside full of action and adventure – and that I’m not participating in it. But anyway, the waste paper is indeed gone. Great. Can I focus now?
No, of course not, how could I even think about that?
I Have To Get Out!
Because then there’s the sun. That wonderful, rare sun that suddenly dares to shine inside cheerfully after months of gray and dull weather. And as if that wasn’t enough, the birds join the conspiracy. A concert of whistles, chirps, and excited chatter that conveys only one message: “Come outside! This is where it all happens!”
Every Bird In The Neighborhood
I already fed them this morning – a faithful habit that started this winter and has now become a local attraction. Every bird in the neighborhood knows that there is a free all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet available here, and they are more than happy to take advantage of it. It is a hive of activity in the side garden. And honestly? I am enjoying it immensely.
Tax Authorities Don't Accept Excuses
But anyway, back to the numbers. Because the tax authorities are probably not waiting for the excuse: “Sorry, I couldn’t file my tax return because there were too many nice birds.”
I take a brave look at my Excel sheet. Numbers. Lots of numbers. And they tell me one thing: I was not particularly active on Hive last year. That may make filling it out less complicated, but certainly not less boring.
Skipper Knows!
Skipper gives me a questioning look. He knows it! He knows that I’d much rather be outside, walking, running, and playing with him. I’d much rather finish my pyrography project, and I much rather look to start one or maybe even ten new creative projects. Hell, I’m so much looking forward to the moment when I can finally get back to watercolors or alcohol markers. I’m itching for everything – except the motivation to fill out this damn spreadsheet.
But hey. It has to be done. And I have to find a way to keep my attention focused.
Who Has That Golden Tip?
So, for anyone reading this, if you have the golden tip for forcing yourself to complete boring but necessary tasks, and without running outside three times, writing down ten new creative ideas, and trying to convince your dog to do your taxes in the meantime… I’d love to hear it.