Field Note #003 - Attention

What happens when you take back your attention?

I didn't realize how many outside influences were directing my inner thoughts. Realizing that the person I thought I was varied from what was flooding my social media feeds. Starting a never ending to-do list to try out new hobbies that I've never had a desire to try before (and seemingly still don't). Adding to a wish list of products that I otherwise would never even consider buying.

Social media apps were engineered to keep us engaged, to keep us on that specific app instead of another. They are competing to keep our attention. Now this sounds bad, but it's really subjective depending on who is using it and what their intentions are. I do believe that you can find positive influence and motivation on social media, but the line is very thin for credibility and trust.

Now, I have to admit that I'd tell myself a little white lie every time I opened up any social media app that I was "doing research" or "finding inspiration”. Those excuses made me feel better about it until I saw my screen time hit 10 hours per day. SPOOKY! So I finally asked myself, what am I actually coming on here for?

The answer: Nothing, but also ANYTHING.

I was at a point of such burnout that I didn't know what I wanted. I was so disconnected from myself that I was hoping any stranger on the internet would say some magic word and my spark would suddenly be back. Yet, having a list of things that I "wanted" to try but never took the first step towards only discouraged me further. I had to figure out for myself how to reconnect.

So, I deleted the apps and took a month off of social media. And I love the shift I experienced in just that short time.

First, I traded out scrolling for reading. I've always loved reading, but my addiction to social media killed my attention-span. This break helped reignite my excitement for a hobby I once loved!

Then, I started having my own thoughts and opinions again. It sounds silly, but it's true! Without an influencer or ad in my face every day telling me about a new trend, I rediscovered more of what actually interests me. I started to focus more energy towards things I genuinely care about.

My favorite outcome, however, is the feeling of connection I've gotten back. Social media is great to be able to keep up with our loved ones amongst our busy schedules these days, but it can also help foster some false connections. Going back to calls and texts to check in with friends and family strengthened my relationships, and also helped to release those that were only there out of convenience.

I feel as if life is moving slower for me in the most beautiful way. Nothing seems as urgent as I once felt it had to be. I don't feel pressure to perform in any certain way. No facade, just living authentically. In tune with myself and my own desires, and not any expectation of who I should be.

Sharing some of the things I've done that have helped me get here:

Vision Boards

Vision boards are a great way to clarify and maintain focus on your goals and desires. There are many ways to do it, do a little exploring and find what feels right to you!
Bonus: I also made a "Reality Board" to document my 2026 compared to my vision board - A private Pinterest board where I feel no pressure to perform or make things look “aesthetic”.

Morning Pages

From the brilliance of Julia Cameron in The Artist's Way (highly recommend to everyone, you don’t need to be an artist). Replace your morning scroll with morning pages. Right after you wake up before doing any other mental lifting (scrolling, meditating, tv, etc.) write 3 pages long-hand with whatever comes to mind. This helps to clear mental clutter and gives you a fresh mind to start the day. Give it a try for at least a week and see if you notice any changes.

Deleting Social Media

Last but certainly not least, quitting cold-turkey. This doesn't mean forever if you don't want it to (we direct our own lives, remember?). Give it a go for at least a week, deleting only the apps (not your actual profile, unless you’re that committed!) so you don't have the ease of access. If you're feeling any resistance towards this, ask yourself where that is coming from.

If you're feeling like your attention isn't where you want it to be and you're wanting to explore a different feeling within yourself, give any of these options a try. Nothing has to be perfect. It's better to try, and then to try again. You get to decide what it means to be YOU!