Breaking free from the shackles of continuous partial attention.
Mitzi Wyman
Helping leaders communicate effectively, generate trust and navigate complexity with confidence. Lawyer I Time to Think Faculty I Mentor Coach I Content Creator
In our modern world, the bombardment of information is unrelenting, and the concept of "continuous partial attention" has never been more relevant. Coined in the 1990s by tech writer Linda Stone, this term describes our constant, though partial, engagement with the digital sphere. It's a survival mechanism in the information age, driven by a desire to connect, to scan our environment, and to capitalize on opportunities. Yet, this state of perpetual semi-engagement comes at a cost.
Continuous partial attention is not inherently dysfunctional; it's a response to the demands of modern life. However, it often leads to a cascade of stress, diminishing our ability to focus and be truly present. This perpetual state of distraction hinders our capacity for deep reflection, contemplation, and ultimately, thoughtful decision-making. Moreover, it stretches thin the fabric of our relationships, dampens productivity, and can leave us feeling overstimulated yet unfulfilled.
Many of you reading this may nod in agreement. In conversations with clients, especially those at the c-suite level, I've found that this concept resonates deeply. They understand the issue instinctively, recognizing the hunger for a sense of completion, the elusive satisfaction in their work and personal life. The irony of 'always being on' is that it often leaves us switched off from the present moment, the very place where life unfolds and decisions are made.
This is precisely where Nancy Kline’s Thinking Environment approach becomes invaluable. It serves as an antidote to the hurried, fragmented attention that erodes the quality of our thoughts and decisions. By fostering an environment of uninterrupted attention, it allows leaders to step back from the rush, to think with clarity, and to find fulfillment in the completeness of their thoughts.
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Embracing this approach could be your first step towards reclaiming not just your attention, but your wisdom, your compassion, and your courage. It's about becoming present, engaged, and whole again in a world that often asks us to fragment ourselves into a thousand pieces.
Let’s start a conversation on how we can apply these principles to not just survive, but thrive in the age of distraction. #mindfulness #timetothink #nancykline #culture #leadership
"Mitzi inspires me, over and over again. When I need hope for humanity, I turn to her. She reaches into the core of both the good in society and the causes of its pain. She understands what it takes to transform a situation, a team, an organisation into the finest version of itself. She manages to blend humility with confidence, detail with scope, leadership with autonomy. Her expertise and her warmth are compelling. I trust her completely. And I am grateful for her in this world." Nancy Kline, President Time to Think
Regulatory Mentor for Biotech & CGT Start-ups and Professionals ?? Helping you attract funding to begin your development pathway to commercialisation with confidence, clarity and credibility ??
1 年This really resonated with me on your Foundations course as not being able to switch off nor be absolutely attentive is a common problem in fast-paced, under-resourced start-ups. You end up juggling many things where nothing is being achieved or it takes longer so it becomes a vicious cycle where you then feel downbeat. It's often too hard to do the opposite and pause to think before diving in, which is often when I'm called in to help them undo the sticky situation they're in!