The Unmistakable Creative Podcast

The Science of Focus: Gloria Mark on Attention Rhythms, Flow Myths, and Digital Control

19 snips
Sep 16, 2025
In this engaging discussion, cognitive scientist Gloria Mark reveals how digital distractions undermine our attention. She differentiates between internal and external distractions and highlights the importance of meta-awareness. Mark dispels myths surrounding flow states and shares insights on how to navigate focus in today's fast-paced world. She emphasizes the power of intentional breaks and understanding personal attention rhythms to enhance productivity. Listeners gain practical strategies for regaining control over their focus in an increasingly fragmented digital landscape.
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INSIGHT

Deep Expertise Is Transferable

  • Deep expertise can transfer across domains and fuel creative hypotheses.
  • Gloria Mark used fine art training to generate novel scientific research questions.
ADVICE

Schedule Blocks For Deep Work

  • Restructure schedules so people have longer uninterrupted periods to focus.
  • Colorado College's one-class-at-a-time model lets students dive deeply into a subject.
ANECDOTE

From Painter To Cognitive Scientist

  • Gloria switched from fine art to cognitive psychology after meeting Manfred Kochen.
  • She studied artists' discovery processes and then pursued a PhD at Columbia.
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