Why we can't focus.

Environmental distractions: Noise, clutter, and interruptions can significantly hinder our ability to concentrate on tasks. Additionally, digital distractions, such as notifications from our devices and constant access to social media, can further fragment our attention and reduce overall productivity.

Mental fatigue: Prolonged exposure to distractions can lead to mental exhaustion, making it even harder to focus and complete tasks efficiently.

Our ability to focus has greatly declined due to the overwhelming amount of information we encounter daily, leading to cognitive overload. With many people shifting away from reading and being bombarded by notifications and short videos from platforms like TikTok and YouTube, we struggle to engage in deep thought. This change in how we consume information diminishes our attention span and hampers our critical and creative thinking, as we become accustomed to superficial processing instead of deep engagement.

Reading, as an activity is critical to our mind. It helps build focus and changes the way we think. Without regular reading, we lose the ability to engage with complex ideas, which further exacerbates our struggle to maintain attention on tasks that require sustained mental effort.

While Television was the beginning of the decline of our focus (a perfect example is the Presidential debates going from 3-hours to 1-hour) the biggest issue has come about with the rise of cell phones, and the addictive, ever-growing-and-perfecting software behind it, designed to keep you on your phone.

This problem is 100% solvable and you CAN retrain your brain. One of the easiest and best ways to do so is to get rid of your phone, get off YouTube/TikTok/etc., and start giving your focus to what matters again, instead of allowing the aforementioned to steal it.

Embrace boredom to rediscover the interest in “boring” activities. By removing distractions that keep you entertained, you'll find these important tasks become more engaging and meaningful. This shift can help you regain focus and appreciation for deeper engagement. Additionally, mindfulness and meditation can enhance your concentration by training your mind to stay present in the moment.