Category Archives: Attention

We must be careful not to let our current appetites steal away

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“We must be careful not to let our current appetites steal away any chance we might have for a future feast.”

—Jim Rohn, late American entrepreneur, author, and motivational speaker

Image from Unsplash by Brett Jordan

We live in a world that celebrates instant gratification — snacking on success instead of waiting for abundance. Every time we let a fleeting appetite take charge, we risk sacrificing tomorrow’s banquet for today’s bite.

Those small moments we give in — skipping the workout, draining our savings for a whim, ignoring our long-term goals for short term pleasure — each one chips away at the grand feast waiting in our future.

To savor life’s richest rewards, we must nurture patience and discipline, allowing our future selves a seat at the table. Practice saying “NO” for now and “YES” for later.

Protect your future feast — the most satisfying celebrations are worth the wait.

EXERCISE:

What are some positive daily habits that produce the long-term results you most desire?

Consider daily budgeting, mindful eating, and consistent exercise as worthy places to explore.

See the beauty in the everyday

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“See the beauty in the everyday. It will not last forever.”

—Stephen St. Amant, Author of the Savenwood Blog

Image from Unsplash by Anna Savina

Today’s quote is both a reminder and a gift.

Life moves quickly. The morning light shimmering through the window, a shared laugh at the dinner table, or the sound of leaves crunching underfoot in autumn — all hold fleeting beauty.

Too often we rush past, chasing the “big moments” and missing the simple treasures that make our days whole. Gratitude begins when we pause, breathe, and notice what’s right here — right now.

It’s life’s impermanence that makes it so precious. Honor, celebrate, and live each moment fully. Once they pass, they become fading memories.

EXERCISE:

Today, try having three mindful meals, silence electronics, and remove distractions. Notice the colors, textures, aromas, and flavors of each bite. How can this exercise help you more fully savor the beauty and pleasures of other everyday areas of your life?

When we focus and do just one thing at a time

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When we focus and do just one thing at a time it’s impossible to fall behind.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Brett Jordan

In a world that glorifies multitasking, it may feel strange to slow down and do only one thing at a time.

Yet, that is where true power lies.

When we give full attention to a single task, time expands. The pressure to “catch up” dissolves because we are completely aligned with the moment in front of us.

Imagine washing dishes without checking your phone, or writing without scanning emails. Each action becomes complete in itself, nothing left undone.

Falling behind is impossible, because the mind is not scattered into yesterday or tomorrow. Instead, we move in steady rhythm, task by task.

Focus turns overwhelm into progress, proving simplicity is the fastest path to peace.

EXERCISE:

Cook a meal from scratch — focusing on measuring, chopping, and savoring each step, turning the process into a mindful sensory experience.

Don’t stop there. Savor each morsel of your delicious meal one slow bite at a time perhaps with family or friends.

Since you cannot do good to all, you are to pay special attention to

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“Since you cannot do good to all, you are to pay special attention to those who, by the accidents of time, or place, or circumstances, are brought into closer connection with you.”

—Saint Augustine of Hippo, Ancient Roman theologian and philosopher

Image from Unsplash by Jeremy

Saint Augustine’s wisdom reminds us of the limits of our reach and our presence.

We often wish to help everyone, but our capacity is finite.

Instead of feeling overwhelmed, we are encouraged to focus on those who cross our paths — neighbors, colleagues, friends, even strangers. Every encounter is an opportunity for kindness.

By being present and attentive to those around us, we create ripples of goodness that often extend far beyond our immediate circle.

EXERCISE:

In what ways does today’s quote challenge you to rethink your approach to doing good?

How can focusing on the people around you enhance your sense of community and purpose?

 

No matter how good you shaved today

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“No matter how good you shaved today, you have to do it again tomorrow.”

—Reed Markham, University Professor & Author

Image from Unsplash by Supply

Today’s quote encapsulates a fundamental truth about life and personal growth.

It reminds us that excellence is not a one-time achievement, but a continuous process.

Just like shaving, our personal and professional development requires daily attention and effort. We can’t just rest on our laurels or past accomplishments. Each day presents new challenges and opportunities for growth.

It’s not about perfection but about showing up every day, embracing the attributes of consistency and persistence. By adopting this mindset, we can cultivate lasting habits and achieve sustainable success in all areas of our lives.

EXERCISE:

Replace the word shaved in the following sentence:

No matter how good you __________ today, you have to do it again tomorrow to have the life you want.

Attention doesn’t scale

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“Attention doesn’t scale, no matter how hard we try.”

—Seth Godin, American author and a former dot-com business executive

Image from Unsplash by Luis Villasmil

In our fast-paced world we often try to multitask and divide our attention, believing we can scale our focus across multiple priorities.

Unfortunately, our attention doesn’t scale, no matter how hard we try.

When we spread ourselves thin, we dilute the quality of our presence and engagement.

Deep, meaningful connections and breakthroughs occur when we give our undivided attention to one task, one person, or one moment at a time.

By embracing the power of focus you unlock your full potential and create space for innovation, growth, and genuine human connection.

Remember, it’s not about doing more, but about being fully present in what you do.

EXERCISE:

What are the costs of spreading your time and attention too thin?

Where would greater focus on fewer things be a more optimal approach to a happier, more productive and meaningful life?

 

The spotlight effect has us think that we are the center of other people’s attention

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The spotlight effect has us think that we are the center of other people’s attention. We’re not!

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Jason Goodman

Have you ever attended a networking event to promote your business, your product, or even yourself? These are gatherings where you can (hopefully) make a good impression on others by offering your sixty second commercial or a thirty second elevator pitch.

For many people, such events create a bit of fear or trepidation, knowing that all eyes are on you as you speak.

The truth in these situations is that during these moments everyone else is so concerned with what they intend to say that they actually pay little or no attention to you.

EXERCISE:

Where in your personal or professional world do you worry and fret about being in the spotlight?

How can knowing that others are paying little attention to you put you at ease and support your well-being in these social and professional situations?

Observe your thoughts like water rushing over a waterfall

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Observe your thoughts like water rushing over a waterfall. Watch them as they splash in the river below and flow downstream.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Jeffery Workman

What is your average attention span? How many minutes or even seconds can you maintain your ability to concentrate and remain focused on a specific activity or train of thought?

When was the last time you saw a waterfall? Beyond the water cascading over the edge, how often did you follow it long enough to see the splash below? For many of us, our focus stops there, and our attention reverts back to where the action is.

EXERCISE:

How often do you find yourself distracted and pulled away from people and things that require prolonged attention and focus?

How can you exercise and practice extending your attention to build and strengthen your mental muscles?

Bring yourself to this moment and experience it fully. Where attention goes, energy flows

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Bring yourself to this moment and experience it fully. Where attention goes, energy flows.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Shantung Kulkarni

During a recent holiday gathering I went out of my way to be a more focused observer of everyone in attendance.

Of particular note were the four children ages 2, 5, 7 and 10. Throughout our time together, it was interesting to see how present the kids were versus many of the adults.

With football games in the background and many cell phones in hand, it was obvious that many of the grown-ups could have benefited from some kid coaching.

EXERCISE:

Where are you most focused and attentive in your life?

How energetic do these experiences feel compared to when you are pulled away by competing distractions?

It’s hard to build momentum if you are divided in your attention

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“It’s hard to build momentum if you are divided in your attention.”

—James Clear, author of Atomic Habits

Image from Unsplash by Nubelson Fernandes

Most people are familiar with the phrase “United we stand, divided we fall.” As we nod in agreement, our thoughts often lean toward communities or teams that need to pull together to achieve a worthy goal.

These days, our attention may also include numerous global issues that require a united front.

Today’s quote offers a shift from the macro to the micro.

It points us inward to our individual worlds and frequent forays in multiple directions that often get us nowhere.

EXERCISE:

Where do you find your attention divided in your personal or professional efforts?

How and where would a more focused approach generate the momentum you need to achieve what you most desire?