A Focused Life

A life of flow is a life of focused attention. A life of focused attention is one in which there is an abundance of focus. This means that there aren’t many distractions.

Every few moments while I am typing or reading, thoughts constantly arrive in my conscious awareness—thoughts like, “Let’s check YouTube,” or “Let’s check messages.” These invitations to be distracted are always arriving. They’re like flies buzzing around, fishing for my attention. I can either fall for them, check YouTube, and have my focus broken—or I can continue my current activity.

These thoughts and sensations are also a signal. They can be helpful or harmful. When I’ve been sitting for too long and my body needs a break, they’re helpful—they get me moving. But when I’ve just sat down and I have the choice between a focused session on my laptop or an entertained one, they are a distraction from what could be.

These thoughts are worth noticing on the journey to focus. They matter, because noticing them is a sign of mindfulness. And mindfulness is essential. It allows us to be aware of what is arising within us, and that awareness is a huge step toward freedom.

Ultimately, the power to focus is a great freedom. And awareness of these thoughts and compulsions is a crucial step toward a more focused life. One can watch the thought arise, and make a choice about what to do next.

This time, for me, I’m choosing not to go to YouTube—and instead, to continue typing my essay.

To choose focus over distraction is to choose completion. It is to give something the chance to mature. Focus can be the difference between a folder full of unfinished pieces and a catalog of published works. It allows ideas to be fully fleshed out—works brought into the world that otherwise may never have seen the light of day. Focus is an essential tool for creating meaningful work and inspiring real change in the world.

In a world full of noise, quantity, and distraction, focus is a quiet, quality act of devotion.

#substack #posted https://gyol.substack.com/p/a-life-of-focused-attention