Distractions make you dumb

Sufficient focus is necessary to be smart. The corollary is that distractions may turn your brain into mulch. There several conditions to sufficient focus:

  • a sense of urgency: without a strong need to get the task done, long term focus is difficult;
  • the dismissal of external stimuli: either you make sure not to be disturbed, or you can filter out the distractions;
  • mental readiness: sometimes your mind will simply not focus before you rest.

2 Comments

  1. Here’s a meta-distraction for you:

    Maggie Jackson, author of “Distracted: The Erosion of Attention and the Coming Dark Age” was on my local NPR affiliate yesterday:

    http://wamu.org/programs/dr/08/06/10.php#20324

    Comment by Ryan Cox — 11/6/2008 @ 8:53

  2. We are doomed anyway, resistance is futile!

    Comment by Kevembuangga — 13/6/2008 @ 5:54

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