Your attention span is fine.

1 min 3 secs

Everyone loves to say that attention spans are shrinking. But if that were true, how would the new generation binge-watch entire seasons, listen to three-hour podcasts, and devour massive fantasy novels in days?

I would argue we only have a short attention span for those things that don’t deeply pique our interest.

I used to think I had ADHD in school.

I struggled to concentrate in math class or when reading random, boring history books. It felt impossible to stay focused. I’d stare at the page for what felt like hours, trying to read but absorbing nothing.

But years later, when I found things I cared about, like design or writing, I could go on for hours, totally immersed. I’d forget to eat. I’d lose track of time in a zen-like state.

That wasn’t a short attention span. That was misaligned attention.

Our standards have risen. We have unlimited options at our fingertips, and switching costs nothing. We're more selective, not more distracted.

So, if you find yourself struggling to focus, don't fight it. Listen to it. Your brain is telling you something. Maybe this isn’t the right thing for you. Maybe there's something better, something that will pull you in so deeply that stopping becomes the challenge, not starting.

Attention isn’t fading—it's just demanding more.

Sincerely,

Ash Lamb

(212 of 500 words)

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