I decided to collect data on focus. In the general context of today’s world, focus seems to be a commodity of limited supply. Not only has focus become the hottest commodity, there is a widespread belief that the amount of focus we can maintain at any given time has significantly decreased (Mark, 2023, p. 150). Anecdotally, we often attribute this decline to our use of technology.
Personally, focus for me seems to mean something very different than it does to a lot of my friends and peers. If good, sustained focus is a well-played symphony, in my head the orchestra is trying to play without a conductor (all credits to this Reddit user).
So, when Vallor writes about Aristotle's distinction between incontinence and self-indulgence that provoked some thoughtful thinking about what my inability to focus right means in that framework. Incontinence occurs when “I know that I desire what is not good, but I lack the self-control to refrain from pursuing such things,” while self-indulgence occurs when “I do not know that my desires are bad, and I therefore do not even try to restrain them” (Vallor, 2016, pp. 86–87).
Data Collection
At any given moment, especially when I am using technology, I could be thinking about ? different things at the same time. A 30-minute homework session could involve skipping 5 songs, replying to my mom’s text a few times, and checking the due dates on another class’ homework. Once in a while, when the stars align, I will work for 8 hours straight—minimal texts, no distractions, just me and the blissful silence of focus.
- Low focus: I deviated significantly from my initial purpose.
- Mid focus: I dedicated some time to completing my initial goal.
- High focus: I spent most of my time accomplishing my primary objective.