Filter failure

It’s possible that we’re not so distracted and overwhelmed because of the sheer amount of stimuli we’re exposed to. There are a million possible uses of attention. Instead, we should consider this a problem of “filter failure.” The ability to focus on what’s important depends on our ability to disconnect from the 99% of things that don’t deserve our attention, so all that’s left is our priority.

Intentionality

Most of today’s thoughts and activities tend to be a repeat of yesterday’s. Barring any major life disruptions – ups or downs – we’re generally on auto-pilot when we’re just living our lives. It’s not often that we act with intention. Practicing deliberate focus on even a few things, for a few minutes each day, increases the awareness and the time spent truly paying attention to our uses of energy. I don’t mean anything mystical when I refer to “energy.” I simply mean being deliberate and present. Taste your food when you eat, pray when you’re praying, feel your muscles when you walk, connect with loved ones when you’re with them, work when you’re working and play when you’re playing.

Boundaries

If you’re a giver, be sure to set limits and create boundaries. You’ll find that takers have neither.