The average human attention span has plunged detrimentally since 2004. Research suggests digital distractions, constant task-switching, and algorithm-based feeds have eroded focus to around 47 seconds (vs. 2.5 minutes in 2004).
Everyone can play a fast-paced video game with copious amounts of dopamine hits, but few can quickly write a 5 paragraph essay, simply because it takes too long.
Doomscrolling, mobile video-games, and clothing stores all try to reward short, fractured spans of focus because it benefits them.
But instant triumphs are almost always either illusory or unimportant.
Anything worth your time, attention, and focus is not going to be fast.
Minimal effort yields quick dopamine.
Maximum effort yields lasting satisfaction.
It may seem grueling, but it’s worth the wait. Not only does it give much more, but it also leads to a deep, lasting satisfaction you just can’t get with imaginary rewards.
Every outlet will try to tell you otherwise, but it’s only for the engagement and revenue.
Inspired by “The Founding of Christendom” by Warren Carroll.