Is There Something Fishy about your Brain?

I admit it, my attention span may have been shorter than a goldfish’s. 

I want to share with you a snapshot of what my life was like about a couple of years ago. 

Picture this:  I’m at my computer working, when I hear a notification from my phone that I have a new text message. I quickly check it and send a reply.  While waiting for a response, I mindlessly open Facebook, because I have to admit…. I really hate all those numbers of notifications staring back at me.  A friend has tagged me in a post because letting me know that I would like a restaurant she just dined at.    Next thing I know, I’m on Yelp to check out the reviews.  I feel the phone vibrate and see that my sister has replied to my text.  Before I have a chance to respond, out of the corner of my eye I see that I have a new email on my computer.  I put down my phone to read it, and suddenly ask myself:

“How did I get so off track?”  

Does this sound like you? 

Research from the Microsoft Company has found that the average attention span of a human is now only 8 seconds, whereas in 2000 it was 12 seconds. 

Yes, it’s sad but true, our attention spans are now shorter than that of a goldfish. 

It’s the exponential upswing in our electronics usage that has been blamed for the plummet in our attention spans.  And based on my personal experience and knowledge of the brain, I agree. 

I had to take an honest look at my electronics usage and make some changes. I cringe thinking about the hours of time I have wasted.  

Fast forward to today:   

• I’ve deleted the Facebook app from my phone, as well as several games that were draining my time. 
• When working, I put my phone face-down on my desk and on silent, so I cannot hear or see notifications. 
• At home, my phone is rarely on me.  Yes, I annoy friends and family by not always responding quickly. 

BUT.... reducing distractions and being present in the moment have been invaluable to me, both personally and professionally. 

These changes, along with brain wave training, have been life-changing. 

And now I’m pretty sure my attention span is longer than a goldfish’s.