In this podcast, the hosts discuss Nir Eyal's book 'Indistractible' and explore topics such as attention management, reducing distractions, and the concept of distraction as a way to escape psychological discomfort. They also delve into the root causes of distraction, the importance of understanding our values and priorities, and the relationship between fun, play, and attention. Practical advice and tools for managing distractions and living a purposeful life are shared.
Recognizing desire alongside discomfort is key to staying motivated.
To overcome distractions, it is important to manage time effectively.
Deep dives
Motivation involves discomfort and desire
Motivation always involves some aspect of discomfort or aversion that we try to avoid. This is why we get distracted from what we want to do. Recognizing desire alongside discomfort is key to staying motivated.
The book 'Indistractable' analyzes distraction and motivation
The podcast features a discussion about the book 'Indistractable' by Nir Eyal and Julie Li. The book explores how to control attention and choose one's life. It delves into topics like understanding motivation, identifying distraction, and managing discomfort.
Understanding the root causes of distraction
Distraction often originates from a need to escape psychological discomfort. It is a way to temporarily avoid pain or discomfort associated with a certain task or situation. Recognizing these sources of discomfort is crucial in managing distraction.
Managing distractions and finding focus
To overcome distractions, it is important to manage time effectively. Time management is closely tied to pain management, as distractions can be a response to discomfort. By identifying values, setting goals, and creating deliberate strategies, individuals can find focus and minimize distractions.
Distractions will always exist – managing them is our responsibility. We often talk about the need for new information in order to change the old patterns of our brain. One of the best ways we can do this is through reading good books. In this episode, Mireille and Adam discuss the highlights of Nir Eyal’s book, Indistractible – how to control your attention and choose your life. In his book, Nir highlights this clear connection between people’s distraction and its relationship to psychological discomfort, otherwise known as pain. He says, “all behaviors, whether they tend toward traction or distraction are prompted by triggers, internal or external. When we learn how to recognize these “triggers,” there is opportunity for change. And changing in the direction that you desire, as based on what you value, is key to having the life you want to live.