Focusing In A Distracting World

Hello, Storytellers!

When I first thought of writing this post, I considered whether or not I wanted to call it “focusing in a distracted world” or “focusing in a distracting world”.

To me, one implies that the world around you (namely, people, and probably you too) is distracted, which is certainly true. But I think we all know that, frustrating as it can be. Instead, I wanted to focus (word choice intended) on the fact that the world is trying to distract you.

I think we all know this, too. We’re aware of algorithms and how they’re optimized to grasp and keep our attention. How so many things we need to do seem like things we shouldn’t need to do. How sometimes all f the stories — at work, on social media, on the news — sound the same, but appear endless and demanding. Almost as if they’re happy you have no time or focus.

It’s not the greatest environment for creativity, which is what we creatives are all about.

So, how to combat it? I’ve been thinking a lot about that over the past few months, since I attended a writer’s conference in May (you can check out the videos from it here — not to distract you!).

There are plenty of techniques for focusing — technology limits, timers, the all-too-ignorable alarm — but I think that at the heart of it, the biggest issue might be simple.

Because the biggest issue is about the condition of our heart. Our belief. Our determination. Our desire to create instead of scrolling.

The owning of our time.

The exercising of our ability to make decisions regarding it.

Being a creative can be a lonely business. I am a writer and artist, neither of which are great group activities, though I do enjoy meeting with others. But the actual work? It requires time spent alone, in thought. Typing. Drawing. Focusing. Redoing. Editing. Creating again.

It might not be a job of physical labor, but it sure is mentally taxing. And sometimes, though I love it, I don’t even want to do it. Being distracted sounds so much nicer, so much easier. So much less risky, because creating and sharing your creations can be a little terrifying.

It’s very easy to think it won’t amount to anything, even if that thought is subconscious. It’s easy to feel like we might be wasting our time. Or, worse, that we’re not really getting anywhere with our work.

But fear can’t be trusted.

And, ultimately, if you’re not dedicating yourself to your creative work…what are you dedicating yourself to?

What are you spending your time on?

Each of us has to decide how to spend the hours we have. They’re our greatest gift, worth far more than money. When we allow ourselves to be distracted, the distraction isn’t free. There’s a cost to it, and that cost is our time. Even if it looks like we’re paying nothing, we are paying the highest price.

I become distracted just like everyone else, but I’ve come to ask myself: am I alright with losing my time to something that isn’t my projects? To something that isn’t me being creative? To something that isn’t me working to do what I know I need to do, what I’ve been created for?

What is truly important? I might have to ask myself this every time I sit down, and am tempted to allow myself to be distracted, but it’s asking the question and making a decision as to what to do with the answer that matters. Because we all have a choice, even if it seems like we’re being programmed otherwise.

I’m not saying everything is bad, or that you can’t enjoy media. This is simply a reminder that our hours lost mean something. We have a responsibility to use our talents, to not let the hours we could have spent on them go to something that might not edify us or others. The gifts you were given are there to help shape the world.

It’s all about where your heart is. And what you decide to do with that answer.

So, use the timer. Put down the device. But make it a conscious choice, and truly think about why you’re doing it.

Focus comes with being intentional.

Focus comes with decision.

Keep Creating,

Lex ~