The Problem With Distraction

March 22, 2010

Interview with Dr. Edward Hallowell, author of the book Married to Distraction: Restoring Intimacy and Strengthening Your Marriage in an Age of Interruption

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Mike Carruthers:
No matter who you are there are lots of things trying to grab your attention.

Dr. Edward Hallowell:
Even someone listening to us talking right now is being pulled in another direction, another part of their mind, “Should I keep listening, should I go on to something else?” And there’s always this kind of tug.

Edward Hallowell, author of the book Married to Distraction, says all these distractions in life can get in the way of us having meaningful relationships.

Getting close to someone requires, above all else, that you pay attention. And people’s attention is fractured. The minute something is the least bit boring we seek a different stimulus.

The good news is this problem is very fixable. The solution…

Is to take back control. It’s to have family dinner, it’s to go out on a date, and people just aren’t reserving time for what they really know matters most to them. We’re just saying, “Look this is one of those things that’s good for you (namely connecting closely) that’s actually fun to do – it may be the most enjoyable feeling in the world.”

But it requires a change in thinking.

Don’t settle as if what mattered to you was making sure you get in your six hours surfing the net then watching TV everyday. How about laying claim to something that’s even better that you’ll find more sustaining, more satisfying, more exciting and really happens to also be good for your health. People who have deeply connected relationships live longer, live happier, and live healthier.

To hear the complete unedited interview, click here