Focus

I recently watched the episode “how to focus” of the Netflix series “The Mind, Explained”, and I would like to reflect upon some ideas.

I want to start with the quote of the Danish philosopher Kierkegaard Anxiety is the dizziness of freedom. This view applies even better in the present than in the past. Today, most people can choose what job to pursue and, most importantly, have spare time: once satisfied with all the basic needs, what to do next? There are infinite possibilities but only limited time, leading to the fear of missing out.

The key to overcoming the stagnation in front of the limitless freedom of choice is to be conscious of everyday decisions, even the small ones. By acknowledging how you are spending your time, proactively choosing what to do and accepting what you could miss out on, you will be more in control of your life and less on autopilot.

As Nassim Taleb says in chapter 19 of “The Black Swan”: missing a train is only painful if you run after it! You stand above the rat race and the pecking order, not outside it, if you do it by choice.

In conclusion, having clear in mind what is important in life and being conscious of your freedom can make you live a life you will remember, as Avicii sings in “The Nights”.