Content

A distraction requires two things: a void, and something to fill it. We so often focus on the “thing” that we miss the essential first component.

Did you open up your phone to check a notification, and then suddenly realize 45 minutes had passed? Sure, the flashing lights were distracting, but that ignores the fact that there was a desire in your brain. A need unfulfilled. Why was some new piece of content able to grab you like that?

We talk about the algorithm, how it learns our wants and fills them. But that’s because you starve yourself! Temptation only works on the discontent. What have you fed your hungry brain lately?

When my mind is racing with ideas, nothing can pull me from it. Ideas come from real depth – when I read a book, go for a walk, have an engaging conversation. They don’t spawn from two-minute bursts of color and sound.

Feed your head, people. Don’t try to shut out the distractions – replace them.