When I was a kid, finishing books was so effortless! But today, it feels much harder even though I spend a lot more time reading.
The problem is this: When you read a book today, there are countless other books, newsletters, podcasts, and audiobooks beckoning you. Everything out there is crying for your attention, including many high-quality options.
But your time and attention are finite.
Decades ago, books were a scarce resource. Today, the scarce resource is your attention. And going forward, this asymmetry between your attention and the demands on it will only get aggravated.
Yes, you want to read, learn, and practice so many things. But your capacity is finite.
This is why you can’t fritter away your attention on random scrolling and online time-sinks. And with every passing day, the assaults on your attention will only become more fierce.
In times to come, the ability to manage your attention and focus will be your biggest competitive advantage.
– Rajan