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Lessons from "Attention Span" by Gloria Mark

by Niamh Moynihan on
Focus

Welcome to another episode of The Better Workday Podcast! Today, I'm reviewing the insightful book Attention Span by Gloria Mark. If you often find yourself distracted, juggling too many tasks, or feeling overwhelmed, this episode—and Gloria's book—is for you.

Drawing from extensive research, Gloria explains why our attention feels fragmented and how modern technology impacts our ability to focus. More importantly, she shares practical strategies to regain control and build sustainable habits to improve attention at work and beyond.

Key Takeaways:

Manage Your Cognitive Load

  • Our attention is finite. Constantly switching tasks drains our mental energy faster.
  • Practical tip: Batch similar tasks together to save cognitive resources.

Develop Meta-awareness

  • Gloria Mark emphasises that attention can be improved through intentional practice.
  • Practical tip: Pause regularly and ask, “Am I working on what I intended right now?”

Create Attention ‘Hooks’

  • Use small physical or mental reminders to break free from distractions.
  • Practical tip: Schedule some guilt-free social media time before a meeting so you have a natural stop point.

Author Insight: Gloria Mark herself shared with me her favourite takeaway from the book:

"People can regain agency over their attention; we just need to develop new habits. The more we practice, the stronger these habits become."

Practical Tips to Implement Today:

  • Start batching your tasks to reduce cognitive load.
  • Incorporate brief "check-in" moments to build meta-awareness.
  • Identify simple "hooks" to reduce habitual distractions.

If you're desk-based or managing a busy work life, this book offers valuable insights and actionable strategies for reclaiming your attention and productivity.

And remember Gloria’s powerful metaphor: rather than being overwhelmed by distractions, we can learn to "swim with the current and ride the waves."

Related Resources

Attention Span by Gloria Mark - https://amzn.to/4ixhdvV

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