Two quotes, one New Year resolution: Choose what we pay attention to.
1. What you pay attention to grows.
The other day, my son and I were talking about cars. He was trying to decide which was his favorite and picked a BMW.
As we ran errands that day, he suddenly said, “Papa, does the universe know that the BMW is my favorite car? I’m seeing them everywhere now!”
So, I explained to him that “what you pay attention to grows.” The Alchemist is my favorite book on this topic.
In today’s digital world, our attention is constantly under attack. Social media, advertisements, negative news, and endless information streams compete for our mental focus.
AI algorithms track every online moment, designed to learn and show us what will keep us scrolling just a little longer. To show us more things we already agree with and like.
2. What we consume shapes who we become.
I believe this wholeheartedly. This applies to food and information.
Constant exposure to social media can fuel comparison and depression, while a steady diet of news often breeds anger, anxiety, and division.
Protecting your attention isn’t just about productivity. It’s about being present, making conscious choices, and maintaining a sense of calm in a chaotic world. It’s also crucial for success in leadership, work, and relationships.
When we control what we pay attention to, we gain control over our energy, actions, and, ultimately, our lives.
How to Protect Our Attention
Minimize distractions: Set tech-free times and spaces for deep work, meals with family & friends, or meaningful conversations. Stay present by keeping devices out of sight.
Quality & Quantity of Media Consumption: Limit media intake to what adds value. Balance consumption (news, social media, podcasts, etc.) with creation.
Stay informed in minutes, not hours—anything more risks becoming entertainment or noise.
Mindfulness: Practice 10 minutes of mindfulness daily. Focus on your breath, and gently bring your mind back when it wanders. This strengthens attention, presence, and clarity.
It also helps us recognize when an AI controls us to mindlessly scroll or consume and break that cycle by focusing on what truly matters.
So let's make this one of our New Year Resolutions:
Choose what we pay attention to.
Thank you for reading!