Focus in a Noisy World: A Personal Note to Myself (and to You)

I’m writing this primarily for myself. To re-read. To remember. To act on.

For many years now, I’ve worked, studied, and coached others with a deep belief in the power of focus. Of being aligned. Of not losing sight of what really matters.And yet—how easy it is to forget.

Let me tell you a story.

The Wake-Up Call in the Left Lane

I was driving, deep in thought. The morning had been long and heavy. Suddenly, someone recklessly cut into my lane from the right. My body stiffened. I was furious. How dare he do that?

I followed him—not to confront, just to make a point, I told myself. A familiar inner voice emerged, outraged, righteous. I imagined the headline:“Driver Lectures Another Driver on Highway 6.”I was completely fused with this inner drama.

Then, in a flash—I saw myself from the outside. And I laughed.

Where had my focus gone?Where was the calm I aspire to?Where was I?

It was a small moment. But a revealing one. How easily I fall into automatic reactivity. How quickly I forget what’s truly important.

The Wisdom of the Cat

It reminds me of that moment from Alice in Wonderland, when Alice asks the Cheshire Cat:

“Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?” “That depends a good deal on where you want to get to,” said the Cat. “I don't much care where—” said Alice. “Then it doesn’t matter which way you go.”

Without knowing where I truly want to go, I can end up chasing distractions, fueled by habits and emotions, rather than intention. Like Alice, I can drift in circles, busy but directionless.

Why Focus Is So Elusive

Because the brain craves novelty.Because stress hijacks attention.Because we live in a world of endless stimulation.Because emotional reactions often feel urgent—more urgent than quiet truths.

And sometimes, let’s admit it: being unfocused is easier. More comfortable than facing the uncomfortable questions.

The Myth of the Great Multitasker

We like to think we can handle it all. That we’re the exception. That our minds can juggle, sort, react, connect, achieve—all at once.

But neuroscience says otherwise.

David Rock, in Your Brain at Work, describes the brain as a small stage. Only a few actors can stand on stage at the same time. Force in too many, and they collide. Important ones forget their lines. Chaos ensues.

When I’m trying to keep too many balls in the air, I end up disconnected—from others, and from myself.

Returning to What Matters

So how do we return to focus?

We pause. We ask:“What’s truly important right now?”“What kind of presence do I want to bring into this moment?”

This isn’t about maximizing performance. It's about being on purpose.

Not letting noise set the tone of the day. Not letting the reckless driver dictate my emotions. Not letting the urgent override the meaningful.

Small Moves That Shift Everything

Sometimes all it takes is:

• Silencing notifications for an hour.

• Taking three breaths before switching tasks.

• Asking, “What would make today feel meaningful?”

• Choosing one thing to let go of.

Even guided missiles are off course most of the time—they constantly adjust, moment by moment. That’s the work. Not rigid control, but gentle re-orientation.

To You, and to Me

If this resonates, maybe write down just one thing you want to focus on this week. Not ten. One.

And if you forget? That’s okay.Notice. Laugh a little. Begin again.

Like Alice, we may not always know exactly where we’re going. But we can pause, ask better questions, and choose the next step with care.

We’re all learning.