If I have mentioned my desire to simplify, slow down, be more intentional, then I have definitely thought it a dozen more times.
Here is a post about a book with some good ideas. I read the free version of "Focus" (available as a pdf or for various readers at http://focusmanifesto.com/). There is also a print, more extended version.
The main idea of the book, as I see it, is to help us focus and become less distracted. He calls our 'Age of Information' an 'Age of Distraction'. Recently I have even become a bit alarmed at the amount of time I spend on the computer, doing more or less productive things. I could probably write a rather long post about these worries alone, but I won't. Suffice it to say, the discovery of 'Focus' has been well-timed.
I paraphrase and quote a few passages to let you know what I found interesting. Sometimes I don't quite agree with him, but for the most part I like what he has to say. (Such is life, na?)
He talks about how we create, consume and communicate--and when we try and do them at the same time or switch rapidly between the them, then they all suffer. (E.g. surfing the web, chatting with someone, writing a paper...2 sometimes work, all 3 can become exhausting!) However when we consume (e.g. read an article), that may inspire us when we later create.
He talks about disconnecting in order to focus. Therefore no e-mail, pinterest, facebook, Twitter, etc. during those times. Also no TV, no online news, no blogs, etc. But he also acknowledges the uses of these distractions--they are not only 'bad'.
He is a Zen guy and apparently has a successful website, book, etc. about that. Appropriately, one of his suggestions is to simplify--including simplify your environment--what's on the desk, walls, floor. I'm not sure if I am quite there, but I certainly do appreciate simple (...perhaps because it is so hard for me :) ) In that same vein, I appreciate poetry and sketches for their ability to say/portray so much in so few words/strokes. I would like to learn.
I think I shall close by quoting some thought-provoking questions (p63-64, free version). Although he is certainly speaking from a strongly held opinion, he does have some good points :)
Enjoy--and I won't feel offended if you decide that this blog is one of the unnecessary distractions you would like to eliminate so that you have time for the more important things in your lives. Good luck and God bless!
A Change of Mindset
The most important step is a realization that life is better when you move at a slower, more relaxed pace, instead of hurrying and rushing and trying to cram too much into every day. Instead, get the most out of every moment.
Here is a post about a book with some good ideas. I read the free version of "Focus" (available as a pdf or for various readers at http://focusmanifesto.com/). There is also a print, more extended version.
The main idea of the book, as I see it, is to help us focus and become less distracted. He calls our 'Age of Information' an 'Age of Distraction'. Recently I have even become a bit alarmed at the amount of time I spend on the computer, doing more or less productive things. I could probably write a rather long post about these worries alone, but I won't. Suffice it to say, the discovery of 'Focus' has been well-timed.
I paraphrase and quote a few passages to let you know what I found interesting. Sometimes I don't quite agree with him, but for the most part I like what he has to say. (Such is life, na?)
He talks about how we create, consume and communicate--and when we try and do them at the same time or switch rapidly between the them, then they all suffer. (E.g. surfing the web, chatting with someone, writing a paper...2 sometimes work, all 3 can become exhausting!) However when we consume (e.g. read an article), that may inspire us when we later create.
He talks about disconnecting in order to focus. Therefore no e-mail, pinterest, facebook, Twitter, etc. during those times. Also no TV, no online news, no blogs, etc. But he also acknowledges the uses of these distractions--they are not only 'bad'.
He is a Zen guy and apparently has a successful website, book, etc. about that. Appropriately, one of his suggestions is to simplify--including simplify your environment--what's on the desk, walls, floor. I'm not sure if I am quite there, but I certainly do appreciate simple (...perhaps because it is so hard for me :) ) In that same vein, I appreciate poetry and sketches for their ability to say/portray so much in so few words/strokes. I would like to learn.
I think I shall close by quoting some thought-provoking questions (p63-64, free version). Although he is certainly speaking from a strongly held opinion, he does have some good points :)
Enjoy--and I won't feel offended if you decide that this blog is one of the unnecessary distractions you would like to eliminate so that you have time for the more important things in your lives. Good luck and God bless!
A Change of Mindset
The most important step is a realization that life is better when you move at a slower, more relaxed pace, instead of hurrying and rushing and trying to cram too much into every day. Instead, get the most out of every moment.
- Is a book better if you speed read it, or if you take your time and get lost in it?
- Is a song better if you skim through it, or if you take the time to really listen?
- Is food better if you cram it down your throat, or if you savor every bite and really appreciate the flavor?
- Is your work better if you’re trying to do 10 things at once, or if you really pour yourself into one important task?
- Is your time spent with a friend or loved one better if you have a rushed meeting interrupted by your emails and text messages, or if you can relax and really focus on the person?
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