The last time I was on an airplane, I read the entire time. It was incredible. Before then, I can’t remember a time when I wanted to do nothing else. When boarding today’s flight, I was very much looking forward to doing the same.
Today, I read for a good bit, maybe half of the trip. Then, I switched over to editing next week’s YouTube video. Editing the video on my iPad while on a plane was a better experience than sitting at my desk at home working away at my computer. The difference was that there was little else to do so I could focus better on what I was doing. I was more engaged and involved in the process. I had more patience for the work that I was doing.
It got me thinking about how I can make this part of how I work more often. No phone notifications. No internet access. No TV. Nobody asking me to do anything else, only interrupting me briefly to offer a light refreshment. If I could work like this more often, I think I’d enjoy the work that I’m doing more.
When I’m making a pen or a box, I get pretty engrossed, losing track of time and working for far longer than I should. I don’t pay attention to much else. It’s wonderful. When working on other things, and especially while at work, I’m constantly being distracted or interrupted. I’d be surprised if I got a clear twenty minutes. My ability to think is hindered. The opportunity to immerse myself in what I’m doing is unavailable.
My students must feel the same. In fact, I don’t think they could handle having several hours to work on a single task because they’ve likely never been given that chance. They have been conditioned to move on quickly. How can they think deeply about anything when they’re already looking at what’s coming next?
It took the physical removal of distractions to help me find my focus. I might need to Marie Kondo my apartment when I get home. I’ll be sure read all the way home, first.
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