Hey - look at this now!

Published 19 days ago • 1 min read

Full calendars, pending deadlines, unread emails, app notifications, and that text message that just dinged.

Where's your attention?

I observed a brief conversation between two managers this week that got sidetracked at least 5 times by glances at phones. It was like sitting outside my body, realizing that I have the same problem. I think I'm focused and know my priorities, but it quickly gets snatched away by the next ding or shiny idea.

Shiny Object Syndrome isn't new. We've been facing it for decades. But I'm convinced it's grown exponentially in our current society.

Distraction is growing in terms of prevalence and intensity. It's not just how often we get distracted but how deep and overwhelming it is.

I'm concerned with the immediate distraction of our phones and mental concentration.

But more than that, I'm concerned with our long-term concentration on what's important for the bulk of our lives.

We are becoming slaves to the immediate.

Our lives are driven by the urgent.

The urgent matters are rarely the most important.

I'm not just concerned for you and me. I'm concerned for our children and their generation.

What are we teaching the next generation by our reliance on the dopamine of distraction?

I spent part of last weekend building relationships and focusing on what's important with a strong group of men. One of the most impactful sessions was answering questions from these cards: Practicing The Way Conversation Cards.

Some questions were light and fun, but others were deep and moving. There were five of us at the table, and I've known each of the men for over half my life. But I heard stories that I've never heard before. We deepened connections that have waned over the years.

I am better for the time spent with these men. I know I need more deep, focused time.

I think we all need more.

We need to carve out time and attention for the important. Our brains need it. Our hearts need it. Our employees need it. Our children need it.

How are you spending time and attention on the deep, meaningful things in life?

Thanks for reading,

Phil

405 Leadership Advisors LLC

We help leaders define strategy and implement with confidence and clarity.

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