The Art of Selective Attention: Choosing Depth Over Breadth
September 03, 2004
-Karthik Gurumurthy
I've been thinking a lot about Anne Lindbergh's insight that we can't collect every beautiful shell on the beach - we can only gather a few. It's made me reflect on how my life is really just a series of choices about where to invest my time and energy.
I often find myself trying to do too many things - juggling multiple projects, activities, and relationships. But inevitably, I hit that wall where time and energy simply run out, forcing me to abandon some of those commitments. I'm starting to realize that spreading myself thin isn't the answer.
There's something so much more fulfilling about giving my complete attention to a few carefully chosen activities and relationships rather than partial attention to many. When I'm fully present in the moment - really absorbing whatever I'm experiencing - my life feels richer. Nothing less than full engagement can create that depth of experience.
I've been blessed with certain talents, but I'm seeing that they can only truly develop when I use them purposefully - not just for my own benefit, but to enrich others' lives too. When I scatter my attention across too many things, my gifts remain underdeveloped.
The quality of my life - both individually and in connection with others - seems directly tied to the depth of my relationships and activities. It's not about quantity but quality of engagement.
I'm reminding myself: I can't be everywhere today. I can't meet everyone's needs. Instead, I need to choose carefully where to direct my attention and then give it completely. That's how I'll find fulfillment.
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