Think about the term pay attention.
In a literal sense, we are paying for something, and our attention is the currency. No different than paying dollars for some tangible good, we pay our attention for things, but what do we get in exchange?
Well, if our attention goes to social media, we are oftentimes exchanging it for envy, distraction, and other people's opinions (like...a whoooole lot of them). We give our attention, and that's what we're given on the other side of the transaction.
If our attention goes to other media like the news, we are oftentimes exchanging it for anger, fear, or sadness.
If our attention goes to our peers and what they are accomplishing, we are oftentimes exchanging it for jealousy, self-criticism, and imposter syndrome.
But what happens when we're intentional about what we exchange our attention for?
When we pay attention to our emotions, in exchange we get insights into how to regulate them.
When we pay attention to our bodies, in exchange we get to understand what they need.
When we pay attention to the person in front of us, in exchange we get deeper relationships.
When we pay attention to what we're good at and what we struggle with, in exchange we can focus our work around things that are rewarding.
Our attention is a currency. And just like our bank accounts, that currency is limited.
Pay attention. And make sure that what you're paying attention to is worth what you paid for it.
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