The Battle for Our Attention

Modern life moves at an exceptionally fast pace and there are a lot of forces constantly vying for our attention. We have more control over some of them than others. Recognizing who wants your attention is important - see below for some of the forces in our lives that want our attention.

You. You will frequently have two or more things to do at one time. This will lead to temptations to multitask your to-do list.

Other people in your life. Your family, friends, and coworkers will want some of your attention, often when you are busy and have lots to do. You may be tempted to say yes, to please them, and this will lead to multitasking.

Corporations. Businesses—online and offline—will vie for your attention constantly, regardless of what you are doing, or what you need to do. The competition for your attention will only increase in the coming years and the tactics businesses use to get your attention will become more sophisticated. These businesses will make it look like it’s no big deal to give them a little of your attention.

Remember that just because someone or something wants your attention does not mean that you have to give it to them. Also remember that when Facebook, or another company, puts a post or an ad in front of you that is relevant to your interests, it does not mean you have to engage with it—all it means is that they are really good at what they do. Your goal is to be good at what you do too. 

We can get better at everything we do by controlling our attention and choosing when to monotask and when to multitask. There is an alternative to being constantly distracted and diverted and feeling overwhelmed and unproductive as a result.