The Last Scarce Human Skill That Still Matters (for a Little While Longer)

The AI overlords might come and save us all from this in a few years, so take this with a grain of salt. I’ve watched human behavior pretty closely for almost twenty years now coaching a broad spectrum of adults.

Coaches in the youth sports worlds are quick to note that kids are harder to teach than ever because of their inability to hold focused attention and an unfamiliar lack of work ethic. However, the hot take now is the adults. 

For the first time in my career, I’m starting to note that adults are continuously surprising me with their lack of ability to focus. My hunch is that the distracted state of our world, largely led by the iPhone, is actually changing adult behavior. And, it’s not good. 

What do we do about this? 

Until we’re run completely by the robots, it’s probably time to stave off the negative effects of short attention span behavior of chasing dopamine in short form and practice longer focused efforts.

My two cents? Read actual books, paint actual paintings, make actual music, and train your focus. Not doing so is a liability to your own ability to create value in the world that still needs your attention.