Noise

Chapter 16Focus Management 101

Focus management is the responsibility of getting others around us to improve their attention. As they drown in information, we stand on solid ground and throw them a lifeline. Our clients, co-workers, and kids might get swept out to sea since they are so heavily addicted, connected, and distracted that they cannot resist accessing more information and giving into more diversions.

They need us to do something drastic and different to help them out.

I want you to see yourself as a “focus manager.” This is an unofficial job title you can carry into a variety of circumstances and relationships. This hidden badge of honor might save people you know from going deaf by succumbing to the nonstop noise that is becoming their new normal.

As we have discussed earlier, improving your own attention is a personal responsibility, protecting your own brain from the bombardment. Though we maintain this responsibility, we have to be realists and recognize that our families, companies, and connections won’t immediately embrace the challenge without us stepping up and helping them out. They may be unaware of the threats or consequences of infobesity or struggle to have the discipline they need to lock in on the most essential things in life.

You need to assist them when they can’t help themselves.

Changing an Environment That Doesn’t Want to Be Changed

Noise begets ...