Work Vs Distraction

Creating vs. Consuming: How to Stay Focused in a World Full of Distractions

Let’s face it: in today’s hyper-connected world, distractions are no longer just temptations; they’ve become habits. And these habits often disguise themselves as work. But are we truly creating value, or are we just staying busy?

Redefining WorkLet’s define work for a moment. Work, in its truest sense, is something you create that holds lasting value. It’s not just about being busy but about making something that matters, whether it’s a product, an idea, or a piece of art.

Unfortunately, distractions can easily derail even the most focused creators. Take Jill, for example. Twenty years ago, Jill discovered Tetris while working on her Ph.D. thesis. Day by day, moving blocks felt more rewarding than grappling with research. It felt like a choice—a justified break. But those moments added up. Eventually, Jill’s “short breaks” led to six extra months of tuition and a delayed degree.

Now, let’s fast-forward to today. Two weeks ago, I was on a five-hour flight. Five hours—plenty of time to write, plan, or create something meaningful. Instead, I spent those hours scrolling and responding to emails that felt urgent but contributed nothing substantial. By the time I landed, I had no measurable output to show for it.

The Illusion of ProductivityMore and more, we find ourselves engaged in activities that mimic work but aren’t. Beating someone in an online game or replying to a thread might feel rewarding in the moment, but those wins fade fast. Compare that to creating something—a blog, a business idea, or a piece of art—that can provide value for years.

One reason this confusion exists is that we often use the same devices for both creating and consuming. Your laptop, the tool you use to write proposals or design graphics, is also the gateway to endless distractions—social media, games, and shopping. Switching between work and play becomes seamless and, often, subconscious.

A Bold Proposal: The Two-Device SolutionHere’s a simple but game-changing idea: separate your tools for work and distraction.

Use one device (like your computer) exclusively for work. Define what “work” means for you—whether it’s writing, designing, coding, or strategizing. Stick to tasks that create lasting value.

Use another device (like a tablet or even your phone) for everything else: games, social media, online shopping, and browsing. These are your “break” activities.

By drawing a clear line, you’ll be more mindful of how you spend your time. When you pick up your “distraction” device, it’s a conscious decision: “This is my break.” And if you find yourself taking too many breaks? That’s valuable insight into your habits.

Why This MattersThe world needs creators—people who bring value, innovation, and beauty into existence. Every hour spent mindlessly scrolling is an hour lost to creating something meaningful. Separating your tools is a small but powerful step toward reclaiming that time.

So, let’s make a promise to ourselves: to spend more time creating and less time consuming. Because the work we do today can inspire, help, and resonate with others for years to come.

Go on. Make something. The world is waiting.