How distracted are you?
Apparently, the collective “we” are so distracted that our attention span has collapsed to a mere 3-minute timeframe.
THREE MINUTES. That’s how long we can focus on a task before we get pinged, binged, buzzed, alerted, or interrupted in some way (including the way our BRAIN starts looking for other stimulation).
I was listening to The Rich Roll Podcast where he’s interviewing Johann Hari about his newest book “Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention–and How to Think Deeply Again.”
When Johann said our attention span was down to mere minutes, I gasped out loud.
THREE MINUTES??? How in the world do we get ANYTHING done, much less the thoughtful, important work that changes our lives and the lives of those who are important to us??
But when I thought about it, I realized, most of us have:
- An office phone w/ voicemail
- A cell phone w/ voicemail, texting, and more
- A tablet with…everything
- Social media channels – , each with messaging options and a variety of alert noises
- Apps like Slack or Zoom – often messaging options and a variety of alert noises
- Other apps that push notifications and information at us
- A door – “Got a minute?”
- Bosses, clients, coworkers, vendors, sales people
- Family and friends
- Other people who “want” stuff from us
- Dozens of options to watch programs, more than we could watch in a LIFETIME
- Regular physical books (I have a HUGE stack here on my windowsill)
- Email – for some people SO MUCH EMAIL. I’ve turned into an email Ninja and rarely get overwhelmed.
- Open tabs on the computer (Is this “nice to know” or “need to know”…those lines are blurry, aren’t they…)
- Snail mail – may be less, but it still comes
- ______________________
And in the span of writing this, I got five text messages, three emails, and my phone rang once. Johann also shared it takes 23 minutes for us to RE-FOCUS after we are interrupted.
NO WONDER we all feel behind snowed under, and barely (or rarely) keeping up.
What’s the answer? FOMO? JOMO?
I think it’s in how we THINK about time. And how we THINK about communication. And how to DECIDE to use these tools.
Where do you start?
With your VALUES…personally AND professionally.
Once you’re clear on those, you have a roadmap for discernment around time, people, and communication.
How are you managing to stay focused these days?
Warmly,
Angie
PS: Other happenings
- Be Wilder! Backpacking + Wayfinding Adventure (April 8 – 10). Currently SOLD OUT.
- Mind & Body Wellness Weekend at Earthshine Lodge in Rosman, NC. Details: Mind & Body Wellness Weekend