How do you regain control of your attention when addicted to the internet?
That was the dilemma that Tony Schwartz, Chief Executive of The Energy Project. (See part 1 ) Tony finally recognized that he was an addict because he was in denial of the amount of time he was online, he incurred unhealthy issues as a result, and his initial plan to disconnect was not working. He was still succumbing to the “Weapons of Mass Distractions.”
Tony went on a month long vacation where he decided to focus his willpower on a single goal: liberating himself from the internet in an attempt to regain control of his attention. What happened?
- He experienced withdrawal pangs to call up Google and search for answers to questions.
- He started to feel relaxed, less anxious, and more able to focus, and less hungry for the “next shot of instant but
short-lived stimulation.” - His brain quieted down.
- He read books and was focused.
- He let go of his need for more facts as a source of gratification.
He is back to work now, less reactive and more intentional where he puts his attention. He resists surfing by asking, “Is this really what I want to be doing?” He keeps reading books (real books not from a Kindle). He begins his work day with his first work activity for 60-90 minutes without interruption. He goes offline during designated periods during his day.
So what can I learn from Tony’s mindful efforts?
- To be focused requires down time, quiet time, and disconnected time from the internet.
- To read more books, which I enjoy doing, but give it low priority. To be lost in a book nourishes my soul and
creates breathing space from my work. - To go on a retreat without any online connections. I’ve experienced that several years ago and my brain recalibrated itself to being normal and less scattered.
- To take purposeful pauses in my day, to just be present in my surroundings and notice what surrounds me.
Focus and attention, two critical mindful practices that are essential to one’s well-being.