In the last few days, I’ve been dealing with something that I couldn’t comprehend myself. Talking to friends seemed of no use as well. But then, I suddenly felt the urge to let go of the uncertainty that clouded my thoughts. I trusted that my intuition would guide me when the time comes
This morning, a thought caught my attention. The notion of being surrounded by technology and social media. The observation of frequently being stuck in the cycle of social media posts that make it to my feeds and, of consuming content that I mostly do not intend to.
While going through my bookshelf and looking at my collection of some of the most amazing books, I came across ‘Chatter’ by Ethan Kross. The years of research and the deep insightful knowledge distilled in 170 pages (and 50 pages of notes) are something for which I can not be grateful enough. (Thank you, Ethan!)
And then the realization struck me- I need my Focus and Attention back.
The books, including Chatter, had been cautiously selected by me with a particular goal in mind.
I have always selected my goals with complete focus and acted on them. The goals that have eventually helped me live the life I wanted to design and not the one I was born into. Next, I actively and attentively seek content that helps me turn those goals into reality.
And in contrast to my habit, my social media feed was not serving that purpose.
With the realization still sinking in, I was reminded of Professor Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, the scientist who studied and researched the states of Flow for more than 40 years. I got acquainted with him through the book ‘Flow’.
Professor, in the book, had mentioned the three factors that support getting into flow:
First, and most important, CHOOSE A GOAL.
Flow deliberately enables all our mental energy in one direction.
Second, make sure that you RESONATE with the goal.
You cannot act upon something that you do not resonate or relate with. The goal must hold a meaningful essence in your life. It should not be something picked by someone else for you.
Third, it should CHALLENGE you.
The goal must be something that gets you out of your comfort zone. It should push your boundaries and be something that stretches your limit, perhaps a little beyond what you would normally allow. However, make sure it is realistic as it should not be something that is can not be attained in that period of time.
One thing that I have learned is that there are many factors that (un)knowingly catch our attention. There is a constant “mental chatter” that goes in each of our minds, but talking about it can actually help. Talk to a friend or your family as their response could actually help you at an emotional level, even if it is temporary.
Since going through the cognitive aspect and level of such “chatter” can be long, I suggest going through an online quiz hosted on the website of the author.
My answers, like many others, had a huge difference before and after reading the book, ‘Chatter’. I am sure you will see the difference in yours too!
These realizations eventually helped me trace back to the forces stealing my attention and hence, if you want to achieve your goal, or are feeling a similar way perhaps the first step is to have a shift in mindset and pay attention to achieving the goal.
“We have our own mind, and together we can reclaim it from the forces that steal it” – Johann Hari