Summary

  • The author sought to combat feelings of overwhelm and anxiety by taking on a personal endurance challenge.
  • The challenge involved giving up listening to podcasts or music while doing various activities.
  • The author realized that avoiding being fully present in activities was an unconscious addiction to not doing one thing at a time.
  • The ability to focus on one activity at a time is considered crucial for thriving in an uncertain, crisis-prone future.
  • Multitasking has been proven ineffective and incurs cognitive costs due to rapidly switching attention.
  • External pressures and technological advances contribute to the urge to multitask.
  • Philosophers and spiritual teachers emphasize the value of being present in a single activity.
  • The allure of multitasking lies in the false promise of escaping human limitations and constraints.
  • Surrendering to limitations and focusing on tasks enhances enjoyment and effectiveness.
  • Prioritizing a few important tasks over trying to do everything is more productive.
  • Pouring time, energy, and attention into fewer things leads to greater enjoyment and accomplishment.

Implication from the article

  • Learning to be present in the moment can reduce stress and enhance overall well-being.
    • @Raisin8659OP
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      1510 months ago

      Yeah, seems to be extremely exacerbated by technologies like phones, apps, TVs, computers, radio, etc.

      Funny, though, because for PCs, they came up with the “game mode” before the “focus mode”.

  • @LogicalDrivel@sopuli.xyz
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    810 months ago

    Personally, I find if i try to listen to podcasts or books while I work on something else my work suffers. Ill put something on to listen to if its really slow but if i actually have to “work” I cant have anything playing in the background. I tend to get into a groove when i work and having distractions keeps me from getting in that groove.

  • Zoidsberg
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    710 months ago

    Don’t half-ass two things. Whole-ass one thing.

  • @logen@lemm.ee
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    510 months ago

    I used to have to focus my attention on at least two things. Like 80/20 or I couldn’t focus. That 20% would be enough to keep my mind from wandering from the 80%

    But, whatever works for you.

    Personally, I think going without always on access to the web would do be wonders.

    • @Raisin8659OP
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      110 months ago

      The 80/20 sounds like a good technique. Thank you.