In a time when smart phones and TV screens are everywhere, it can seem so hard to focus. This week, we discuss why people seem to yearn for these kinds of distractions in their lives and what they can do to regain focus on the things that matter to them. How has technology of all sorts made it easier than ever to procrastinate? Do programs and apps meant to keep people offline and away from distractions really work? If not, what can people do to keep their priorities before them?
The more we use quick and satisfying technology like social media sites, text messages, and email, the more we physically rewire our brains to crave more instant gratification. How do we wire our brains to focus on the things that matter in our hearts more than playing rounds of Words with Friends or Candy Crush?
Some people have gone as far as saying distractions have robbed us of our culture — we address that and how it’s really all a matter of priority. After discussing distractions in the workplace, we talk about ways people can focus more. As writers, we talk about how we focus on something as big as novels in an age of distractions — and how those tips can carry over to anything people do.
We spend a bit of time talking on the power of solitude…how being alone and free of distractions for long periods of time leads to wonderful things! After that, we ask what’s more important: focus or action…before finally wrapping it all up by asking if focus, priority — or something else entirely — is the most important thing when it comes to getting things done?
We’re almost to our 30th episode. Without focusing on priorities, we’d have never gotten this far.
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I can’t have a conversation with somebody if there’s a TV or radio blaring in the room, and I also need solitude and silence to write effectively. I can write with somebody else in the room, or even with a television on low, but it’s distracting and frustrating. My fantasy writing environment is the inside of a small, soundproof box with a single vent for air, and only the light of my computer screen to illuminate my keyboard.
Hmm… maybe I should start making myself accountable to others to be more disciplined. It worked before…
I would be happy writing in a big orb with ambient sounds or ambient electronica or classical piped in. Like you, just the things I need…and soundproof if I wanted silence. Those mornings when there’s not even the sound of cars heading off to work…I love those mornings for writing the best. No music…nothing. Just quiet and writing.
Accountability is good. I think one of the reasons the podcast is out every week is Shawn and I are accountable to each other, and we know there are people actually listening. I know if something came up and we missed episodes — and explained the issue — people would be understanding. But we’re usually far enough ahead that we always have 2-6 episodes ready to go. So thanks to you and other listeners for making sure we keep this up!