The Battle of the Next Decade Is Owning Your Attention

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The world we live in today is one of constant stimulation and distraction. 

With the inevitable rise of the smartphones, social media, and on-demand content, we are bombarded with information, ads and entertainment at nearly every nearly digital turn.

In fact, the average person gets intruded by ads 4,000-10,000 times a day. And with so much available at our fingertips, it's no surprise that the average person consumes several hours of content on their phone every day. That is way, way too much.

But what are the consequences of this constant distraction, and more specifically how can entrepreneurs and creatives actually reclaim their focus and productivity?

Maggie Jackson, in her book "Distracted: Reclaiming Our Focus in a World of Lost Attention," argues that our constant distraction is not only detrimental to our productivity but also to our mental health and well-being. She explains how our brains are wired to seek novelty and stimulation, which makes it difficult for us to resist the constant lure of our phones and other digital devices. 

However, this constant state of distraction can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression. So for digital business owners and creatives, it's most definitely a Catch 22.

Yet none of the companies are really sounding the alarm.

Perhaps the science could be more concrete, but in my opinion, the platforms don't want you to leave and will do anything for you to stay:

“it is difficult to get a man to understand something, when his salary depends on his not understanding it" - Upton Sinclair

In other words, what I am saying is the platforms, apps and devices we use daily do not care or want to address this issue of harm from over-use of devices, because they depend on it's attention to survive.

Recently I researched what platforms can be utilised by businesses to actually capture the attention of new audiences. This made me feel slightly hypocritical as creators also want a share in the tide of attention, but generally I think these platforms can be extremely helpful. I want to empower the creatives to become creators, not consumers. But for a percentage of entrepreneurs out there, they are burnt out from a self-induced state that they are may not be aware they are even in.

For entrepreneurs and creatives, this constant state of distraction is harmful, it's in my view the complete opposite of creating.

The main thing is, between sleep and a regular 9-5 work, there's not much time to implement any of the ideas or goals they want to work on. Days can quickly just pass on by.

And even when they do have time to work, it can be challenging to focus and be productive when they're constantly being pulled in different directions by emails, notifications, and social media updates. I'm talking hundreds of times of phone unlocks a day.

Owning your attention is going to be the battle of the next decade, and it's one that entrepreneurs and creatives must win if they want to be successful. 

Here are a few tips on how to reclaim your focus and productivity in a world of constant distraction:

1. Set boundaries: One of the most effective ways to own your attention is to set boundaries around your time and digital devices. This might mean turning off notifications during certain hours of the day or designating specific times for checking email and social media.
   
   I personally put my phone in the other room and use one app at a time. Use a dumb phone.
   
   By setting these boundaries, you can create space for focused, uninterrupted work.

2. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the current moment. By practicing mindfulness, you can train your brain to be more focused and less distracted.
   
   There are many different ways to practice mindfulness, from meditation to mindful breathing exercises. You want to live in the present, do not become a slave to the latest chatter on social media. Hardly any of that will matter in five years.
   
   
3. Take breaks: Taking regular breaks throughout the day can actually increase productivity and focus. When you take a break, you give your brain a chance to rest and recharge, which can help you stay focused and motivated when you return to work.
   
   I like to walk for 20 minutes, at least 3 times a day.
   
   
4. Prioritise your tasks: It's essential to prioritise your tasks and focus on the most important ones first. By doing this, you can ensure that you're making progress on the most critical tasks and not getting distracted by less important ones.
   
   I’ve created a simple free guide for people who want a minimal one-page task view where they can get an overview of all that needs to be done.
   

5. Use technology to your advantage: While technology can be a source of distraction, it can also be a powerful tool for staying focused and productive.
   
   There are many apps and tools available that can help you block distracting websites, track your time, and stay organised.
   
   
6. Take action: This is the most important of all, if there is anything you take away from the article it is this:
   
   Taking action towards our goals and ambitions is crucial for creatives and entrepreneurs to achieve success. Distractions can easily consume our time, mind and prevent you from realising your full potential.

It's easy to get caught up in the busyness of life, but without purposeful action, we risk losing sight of what we truly want to accomplish.

When we focus our energy on taking actionable steps towards our goals, we gain momentum, build confidence, and become more resilient. The ability to take action and remain focused on our goals is what separates those who achieve success from those who don't. 

Simply put, you cannot afford to lose this battle.

By setting boundaries, practicing mindfulness, taking breaks, prioritising tasks, using technology to your advantage, and actually taking action on your goals you can reclaim your focus and productivity in a world of constant distraction. 

So, take control of your attention, and you'll be amazed at how much more you can accomplish.