A Poverty of Attention

“A wealth of information creates a poverty of attention.”
–Michael Hyatt 

We have all the information and entertainment we could ever want, yet we still get bored. We still get distracted, switching between multiple tasks and apps, trying to find something to focus on. After a day of scrolling, social media starts feeling dry. This isn’t because the content is less compelling. It’s because we’re having a harder time focusing on it. 

Focus brings fulfillment in many ways. Focus leads us to flow state, the ideal state of mind for making our visions come to life. Focus leads us to mindfulness, the ideal state of mind to experience gratitude and joy. 

The most effective way I’ve found to increase my focus is by taking a break. I try to take short breaks in between large tasks during the week. I try to take a few breaks in the evenings during the week. And I try to take the day off on Sundays every week. It has worked wonders for me, and has helped me find a healthy hustle.

With too much input, everything begins to feel dry. Take a break from the input. Take a break from the output. Give your mind a break, just like you give your body a break, just like you give your car a break, just like you give your crops a break. You’re not a machine. You need a break too. 

Good luck out there.