tinkering with ... attention

Random – and not so random – thoughts on how to thoughtfully and successfully navigate a digital life.

Pause First, React Second

Slowing down can become your competitive advantage.

Urgent and important are not synonyms. Most things can survive a minute while you figure out which is which.

Seeking easy answers is very human, but life is too complex.

Not knowing can be uncomfortable. It can also mean you're onto something better instead of grabbing the easiest answer.

Better questions can take you to better places.

Keep poking away even when you think you've already figured something out. Curiosity always likes a second look.

Everything begs for your attention, but know what your time is worth.

Not everything needs your attention. Some things can be skimmed, skipped, muted, unfollowed, or simply left behind.

Never outsource your choices to any algorithm but your own.

Defaults are often choices someone else made. Sure they're convenient, but they're not instructions.

Ignore that notification, close that laptop, and just look up.

The internet will still be there when you get back. Whatever is happening on the other side of the screen won't always wait.