The Greg McKeown Podcast 171. Protecting Your Peak Attention Windows with Dr. Gloria Mark (Part 1)
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Feb 16, 2023 
Dr. Gloria Mark, a respected Professor at UC Irvine, shares her 30 years of expertise in attention and technology. They dive into the alarming decline of attention spans due to digital distractions and multitasking, highlighting the intricate connection between stress and productivity. Dr. Mark reveals that almost half of interruptions are self-induced, driven by boredom. The conversation also uncovers the cyclic nature of attention throughout the day, urging listeners to manage their mental resources effectively for improved focus.
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Shrinking Attention Spans
- Attention spans on screens have drastically decreased over 20 years, from 150 seconds to 47 seconds.
- This decline has been confirmed by multiple independent studies.
Multitasking Costs
- Rapid attention switching, or multitasking, leads to increased errors and reduced performance due to "switch cost."
- It also elevates stress levels, as shown by physiological markers and self-reported experiences.
Probe Your Urges
- Combat automatic actions by probing your urges. Ask yourself if an action is necessary and why you feel compelled to do it.
- This conscious awareness can help you regain control and make intentional choices about your attention.