Episode Details

Every 6 minutes people check their phones.

Married adults spend more time online than with their spouse.

People spend 1 - 4 hours loafing on the internet during a work day.

Wow -- it's easy to see the problem! But today, we're talking about solutions so you can live inspired in this tech-centered world. Curt Steinhorst shares hacks to better focus and communicate regardless of tech distractions and insights from his new book, Can I Have Your Attention?

SHOW NOTES:

• Order Curt's new book Can I Have Your Attention? here.
• Our most precious resource, our attention, is divided because our brains are wired to say, "What will make me feel good now [and everything is at our fingertips on our phones]. "
  • Set barriers to the access so you have reasonable time to be disconnected / focused on the important areas in life.
• Did you know that when you're away from tech for 5 days, your empathy levels go up? Don't allow tech to push you away from intentional moments with people you love.
• The "barriers" at our house: Hide phones when we walk in the door. Go on a family walk. When kids go to bed, my wife and I talk. Then, we watch TV and are free to pull our phones out.
• Did you know 2/3 of us feel worse when we leave Facebook then when we got there? But there was the time we saw something we liked, so we're wired to go back.
• Don't allow the world to dictate what gets your attention: Inboxes, Facebook, are you letting them drive you? Be realistic, intentional and proactive about the barriers you set.
• How do you get on the same page about these barriers with those you live and work with? First, acknowledge we're drawn to it scientifically. Second, don't shame. Third, start with grace: You want to better connect; this allows that to be possible.
• We use words to communicate, influence and shape the way other people behave. How do we make sure we do it for good
• We are the product of the narratives we choose to pay attention to. To overcome anxiety when speaking, etc., I take back the narrative with one of these phrases:
  • My kids don't care. It's this feeling of "When I leave, my kid won't be impressed with how good or bad I did."
  • I can help them and they don't need me to be perfect. Shifting from its "about me" to "it's about them and they don't need me to be perfect".
• I don't think every life stage is better, I think we just learn to enjoy the beauty where we are.
• When you ask: "Who am I?" don't tie your validation to external achievements.
• We need a little bit of discontent in our life to fuel performance.
• Curt's mentor is Mark Thompson, author of Success Built to Last

CURT STEINHORST'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you've ever read? John Steinbeck's East of Eden is about the complexity of life told through a fascinating story. It profoundly impacted the way I think and the way I see the world.

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