-- Tony Schwartz
We all seem to have Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) to some degree. And for many of us, thanks to the increased information overload provided by the new technologies, our condition continues to worsen.
No matter what the current jargon says, you cannot really "multi-task." What you do is switch quickly between activities, thus never giving any activity your complete attention for long. Studies show that it in so doing you are in fact taking more time to do these activities than if you did each one of them separately!
But that's not the worst part. The worst part is that your attention muscle is becoming both skittish and flabby. You are teaching yourself how not to concentrate. And without concentration the sustained effort required to produce significant results of any kind becomes damn near impossible!
The spiritual practices of concentration, meditation, and contemplation, no matter from what tradition they are derived, are attention-training devices. They helps us focus upon what is most important in life. And only by developing this focus can we have a satisfying, meaningful, authentic life.
Texting while driving is not going to make you happy. Returning emails while talking on the phone is not going to make you fulfilled. And talking while your mouth is full is just plain bad manners!
Slow down to get ahead. Do one thing, completely and well. It may have been awhile since you've done that, but give it a try and see what happens. It may surprise you that life in the slow lane is deeper, calmer, and more satisfying than the chaotic and hyperactive dance that so often passes for productivity.
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