The most expensive commodity on earth (II)

Last time we began discussing the issue of attention. Attention is the most sought after commodity on the earth. Think about it – everybody is seeking your attention. The advertiser wants your attention, your spouse, your children, employer, church, your friends …everybody wants your attention. Everybody wants a piece and if possible all your attention at any given time.

The problem with attention is that it is a limited resource so we need to develop skill in giving attention.

We saw that there are different types of attention – sustained, alternating and focused attention.

There is also limited attention.

“Limited attention, or divided attention, is a form of attention that also involves multitasking. In this case, however, attention is divided between multiple tasks. Rather than shifting focus, people attend to these stimuli at the same time and may respond simultaneously to multiple demands.” Kendra Cherry

We will look at some other salient issues about attention.

1. Whoever and whatever you give attention to shows what/who is important to you. When you give attention to a person or thing it shows that person or thing is important to you.

“Whatever you focus your attention on will become important to you even if it’s unimportant.” Sonya Parker

2. Whatever or whoever you don’t give attention to is not important to you.
3. Giving attention is giving your time which can never be recovered so be careful where your attention is directed. Give attention to what will make your life count or create impact in people’s lives. Avoid giving attention to trivialities- gossip, arguments, immoral thoughts, etc.
4. As a leader be selective who you give attention to.  Don’t cast your pearls before swine.

“The more attention you pay an enemy, the stronger you make him. Be attentive, but don’t be paranoiac.” Paulo Coelho

5. Know the amount of attention to be given to people. Not everybody deserves your attention in the same measure.

“The ability to focus attention on important things is a defining characteristic of intelligence.” Robert J. Shiller

6. Protect and guard your attention from time wasters and people who don’t value you.
7. Give adequate attention to yourself – personal development, health etc

“If there be anything that can be called genius, it consists chiefly in ability to give that attention to a subject which keeps it steadily in the mind, till we have surveyed it accurately on all sides.”  Reid

8. Give adequate attention to your spouse. Never give attention to others at the expense of your spouse. Avoid “illegitimate attention seekers”.
9. Much as we need technology you must not allow social media and technology to take too much of your attention.

TO BE CONTINUED