Foster Group

We‘re all barraged by TV, the internet, e-mail, texts and tweets.  New vehicles for interacting are constantly being introduced; we’re assaulted from all directions.  Especially disconcerting are the messages bombarding us with the information that the stock market is going down or up, and suggesting we should take action - now.

For that matter, it’s not just messages about the stock market, it’s concern about political action or inaction, social issues, sports teams and celebrities.  You name it, if it’s of public interest, our attention is constantly being demanded to keep us “informed.”

But what if you were to disconnect from the sources demanding your attention on matters where you likely have no influence and chose, instead, to intentionally connect where you do have influence?  How about giving a fraction of your attention and time to the things that matter to you personally?  Let’s face it, today’s newsworthy political candidate who says or does something ridiculous, the Housewives of Wherever and someone’s favorite sports player will continue to have every action publicized as long as it causes sensationalism.  You can always catch up on any of that “news” if you really care to, but take a bit of time away from it and you might find you really don’t care.

 I hate to break the news to you, but most of us really don’t have influence over much, if any, of the above.  I know that hurts, but it’s true.  The good news is that you can be informed AND have a life of your own as well.

Are you the person who is in constant contact by phone or internet; checking messages during conversations with family, even during meals and subtly under the table, at meetings and gatherings?  Guess what?  You’re not fooling anyone.  Everyone sees and knows your behavior, even your kids, or should I say, especially your kids.  What behavior are you modeling?  What’s really important and what or who really has your attention?

Try disconnecting.  Try it for 60 minutes a day if you’re strong, 30 if you’re not and just 15 if you’re a real wimp.  Be intentional and do it every day for, say . . . . a week.  The idea is to connect where you do have influence, like your spouse, your kids, your employees or coworkers - maybe most importantly, yourself.  That’s right, how are you doing?  What do you want to accomplish?  How’s that going for you?  How do you make a difference?  Are you burning out or supercharged?  Take some time to find your real power.