Your attention

It’s all a play for your attention.

But what’s your time and attention worth, if you’re not doing much with it?

When you’re spending it scrolling social feeds, an hour of your time can fly by in bed in the morning, maybe another hour on the couch in the evening, and another before you fall asleep.

Whether it’s your undivided attention or not, what becomes of it? 

Your eyes — and mine — are counted as views, impressions and reach, sure. 

After reflecting on this, my thought is this:

Your attention isn’t worth anything if you’re not doing something with it. 

If you’re not making a purchase and participating in the economy, if you’re not making a donation to an organization doing important work, or spreading positive messages or helpful information you’ve learned, what’s the point of your attention?

Are you simply another action-less eyeball for advertisers to sell to?

We have so much potential and access to endless resources.

Free tools, templates, proven processes, a world of knowledge at your fingertips as they say. Business plans, how-to guides, certifications and courses — all available at no or low cost. Not to mention, an endless supply of news, audiobooks, thought leadership and timely content being published daily. 

The vast majority of people are consumers and observers. Only a tiny fraction of the people online create or post something publicly, and less than 1 in 5 social media users consider themselves to be content creators (though this has been on the rise).

Last year, American consumers spent an average of 7 hours and 34 minutes per day consuming digital media. The latest estimates suggest people are exposed to between 6,000 to 10,000 ads per day.

What are we collectively doing with all of this content we’re taking in?

Break the pattern

Here’s my challenge to you, or to those in your life who are spending more time consuming than doing: 

Value your time and attention. 

Spend it intentionally.

Don’t simply listen to what the algorithm serves you. 

Find a way to make an impact with it (that’s meaningful to you).

Apply your attention to the causes, communities and people that need it. 

Did this email get some of your attention? I’m honoured that you made it to the end. If you did, feel free to hit reply and let me know! — Daniel