Every time we open our phones, unread messages, push notifications, trending topics, algorithmic recommendations… information floods in like a tidal wave. The problem is, the truly valuable information might be less than 1%.
Attention Is the New Currency
Economists say time is a scarce resource, but now even scarcer than time is attention. You can have 24 hours, but if those 24 hours are fragmented into countless pieces, switching tasks every minute, deep thinking and creation become nearly impossible.
I’ve come to realize that protecting attention isn’t a matter of “self-discipline” but a matter of system design.
My Three Practices
1. Reduce Passive Intake
- Turn off push notifications for almost all apps
- Don’t install social media on my phone; check via web browser when needed
- Process emails at fixed times each day, not continuously
The key is: switch from “passively waiting for information” to “actively seeking information.” You’ll find that truly important information, you’ll naturally search for; the unimportant stuff, missing it causes no harm at all.
2. Establish Deep Work Sessions
Set aside 2-3 fixed hours each day. Phone on silent, internet off (or only essential tools), focus on one mentally demanding task.
During this time, don’t:
- Check email
- Reply to messages
- Browse news
- Attend meetings
It’s hard at first because the brain has grown accustomed to frequent switching. But after persisting for a week, you’ll rediscover the taste of “flow.”
3. Use Output to Drive Input
Another cause of information overload is that we only input without outputting. Reading books, articles, watching videos—all are input; but without output (writing, practicing, teaching others), information flows through like water through a bamboo basket, leaving nothing behind.
This is also one of the reasons I rebuilt this blog: using writing to organize thoughts, using output to verify the quality of input.
In the End
This era doesn’t lack information; what it lacks is the ability to filter out noise and the determination to sustain focus. Technology has connected us to everything, but sometimes, disconnecting is what truly connects us to what we want to do.
May we all find our own quiet corner in this noisy world.