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LM: #378: The simplest question to stop wasting attention
I’ve been asking myself an insanely simple question that does a surprisingly good job of protecting my attention.
“What’s over there?”
When I reach for my phone: “What’s over there?”
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When I switch to a social app: “What’s over there?”
When I get the urge to open my laptop: “What’s over there?”
There’s an arresting simplicity to What’s over there? It forces me to think for a second. In rare cases, I have an answer, and that helps set my intention to fight against being sucked into the maelstrom.
But most of the time, I have to admit, I don’t have a clue what’s over there. I just went there five minutes ago – do I expect something new? Maybe I should create something instead so there’s actually something worth checking on.
I end up fumbling for an answer, and it makes my misguided urges seem kind of dumb – which is the desired effect.
Give it a shot: What’s over there?
Aphorism: “Simple, clear purpose and principles give rise to complex and intelligent behavior. Complex rules and regulations give rise to simple and stupid behavior.” —Dee Hock
Cool: This quiz can tell U.S. people where they grew up in just 25 dialect questions
Best,
David
