“Focus is the art of knowing what to ignore.”
– James Clear
“Let me check that.”
This phrase often gets thrown around at our dinner table when someone wants the answer to a question that’s arisen from a discussion. Then someone goes looking for a phone or tablet which I’m not a fan of at all…
We live in an age of instant information abundance. Any answer is just a tap away.
But here’s the thing about abundance: it comes with a hidden challenge.
It’s too accessible and just like having too much access to alcohol, if we’re not careful with information and ‘data’, we can easily get drunk on it.
Emails, messages pinging us from every direction, videos, audios, podcasts, social media, endless scrolling—it’s incredible how much information we consume in just a short space of time both in work and in general life.
A gentle dip in surely can do no harm? But an hour later, we might look up from our screens, bemused at where the time went. Yes, we took in a lot. Yes, we were ‘doing’ something. But then comes the big question: What did we actually do with it? What did we create?
This is why I often think about our In:Out ratio when it comes to information.
It’s not enough to simply consume knowledge or read every single message and email. At some point, we need to balance that input with output. We need to consciously make time to create.
That creation time is what produces true fulfilment, value and, indeed wealth.
Consuming knowledge and information is valuable, but real and meaningful progress happens when you turn them into something meaningful.
But here’s the challenge:
The biggest catalyst to creating more value in our work and lives is something many of us struggle to protect: UFT—Uninterrupted Focus Time.
Not the multitasking, distracted attention that’s now everywhere. I mean true, deep focus.
It often looks like this:
You’re deep in UFT—working on something important, creating something valuable. Then, it happens.
A tiny noise pings from your device.
Your inner voice chimes in:
“I wonder what that’s about? Check it, just in case. Go on, have a quick look.”
Most of us know what happens next. That small distraction wins. You check. And before you know it, the momentum of your deep focus is gone.
But here’s the truth: protecting UFT is your secret weapon.
If you’re willing to consciously balance your In:Out ratio, protect your focus, and carve out UFT, you’re giving yourself a massive, massive edge in a distracted world.
So here’s a thought and a challenge:
What could you create this week if you gave yourself even 30 minutes of protected, uninterrupted focus each day? And that time was used to create something of high value? What might happen if you focused less on aimless, distracted input and more on focused, intentional output?
I think the answer will surprise (& delight) you.
Best,
Shane
P.S. MindShift 2025: The above is one of many elements we help you activate with the intention of raising your game in business and life. My special collaboration with Gary Fox has just opened for registration and is already half-full. We start 18th February. Give yourself a massive edge by joining us. Details here.
The Inner Edge Podcast – Most Recent Episode:
Ep 214:Avoid Going Stale: How to Recognize and Renew Your Spark
Listen on my website here or on all major podcasting platforms.
Access High Value 60 minutes To Help You Win In 2025
My special one-off talk,Win in 2025, took place last Monday. You can still access the recording until 31st January. If you’re looking for simple but very powerful and authentic ideas to enhance your clarity and fulfilment this year, it’s worth tuning into it. Detailshere.
Up Your Game: Have you checked out my online academy? It has a range of products that will help you raise your game in all areas. More details here.
MindShift 2025: Give yourself a massive edge next year. My special collaboration with Gary Fox has just opened for registration. Details here.