I am distracted most by internal noise. Lots of times when someone is talking I can relate something that they are saying to something else I am thinking about and then I go down a rabbit trail. I can work on intentionally bringing my thoughts back to what they are saying. I could even take notes to help me remember that I am listening to someone else not thinking about my own things.
I would agree with going down a rabbit trail. I think of what the person says and then I think of other questions that relates to what they said. Having a journal or taking notes has really helped me stay focused, especially in chapel!
Taking notes also helps me to stay focused when I'm listening to someone speak. I agree with you that when someone talks about something that I relate to it's easy to get distracted by my own thoughts.
This is really good Faye! I totally agree with the idea of going down a rabbit trail and not being able to reel myself in. That is something that I struggle with too! Taking notes is a good idea to overcome that distraction.