Right now as you read this, count how many tabs are open on your browser, how many applications you are running, how many people you may be texting, and any other things you might be doing your multitasking adventure. I am at seven. Seven different distractions fighting for my attention as I write this post. I have music playing, e-mail open, and many websites available in different tabs. And who would have thought that as I wrote that last sentence I received a text, upping my total to eight. All in my attempt to stay connected. My attention is divided over eight different sources which makes it harder to focus on writing this post. It is interesting to think about all the distractions we face today in the hyper-connected world we live in.
I personally have two Twitter accounts, a Facebook account, three different e-mails, and a smart phone for texting, calling, etc. And somehow I manage to keep myself updated with each one because I am afraid I might miss something huge. Checking my phone for any messages or updates has become second-nature so I don't even think about it, just like breathing. Is this the way we are meant to reach our potential? There have been many studies showing the importance of focusing on only one task to improve productivity, yet its very rare for this to happen. For me, the only time it happens is when I am playing soccer and I don't have the opportunity to check anything and all my attention is devoted to winning. And during that time I feel at peace (unless my team isn't doing well, but thats a different story) and am most happy. I've started to turn my phone off completely during classes so the temptation to check it is gone. This has given me the ability to do well in my courses and get work done quickly and completely. I have learned the necessity and bliss of disconnecting oneself from everything else and devoting all my attention to one thing. My productivity skyrockets, as well as the quality. Maybe it is time to say "no" to some technologies and disconnect for a while. Unless the world is going to blow up if you turn your phone off, because everyone knows that if you accidentally run out of battery the world will end.
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