We live in a world of the 15 second sound bite. Networks demand it, people's attention span is growing shorter and shorter. In general people demand and expect to see more and more done in less time. Employers mandate it, the pace of life has quickened dramatically in the past half century. This is part due to Moore Law, which states that technology and knowledge doubles very quickly see:
http://www.emory.edu/TEACHING/Report/AppendixD.html
In other words knowledge and technology exponentially grow and imposes expectations upon us to keep up. It is our job to maintain a steady, sane approach to life, and remain within our element. There is nothing inherently wrong with technology, however it should serve us dominate our lives as it so often does.
Case in point: I find myself wandering from one things to another at times, and find others that I talk to, tend to do the same. Those that have mastered a thing, learn to marshall their resources to do one thing at a time and do it well. Yes there are times when we must multi task, but this generation has made it a contest to see who can do it the best. Concentration often distinquishes the happy and successful from those who are not.
Concentration is the factor that causes the great discrepancy between men and the results they achieve... the difference in their power of calling together all the rays of their ability and concentrating on one point.
Orison Swett Marden
At the end of the day, its not how many things you have gotten done in a day, its the quality of things that you have done that matter the most. For instance I have a business that demands attention; a certain amount of time must be given to filling out paperwork, and checking for compliance and accuracy. Another portion of my time must be set aside for marketing. My effectiveness is compromised if I mix the two. If I dont fill out the right forms and accurately and on time, I dont get paid. If I dont market, the business dies.
If Ive learned one thing its about concentration, learning to fully concentrate on one item at a time. You must learn to resist distraction, or impulses on doing the easiest thing.
Concentration (44 Quotations)
Any individual can be, in time, what he earnestly desires to be, if he but set his face steadfastly in the direction of that one thing and bring all his powers to bear upon its attainment.
J. Herman Randall
