4 ms·

This is a sentiment that resonates strongly with me. I've tried to keep up with the latest - whether it's books, movies, or programming libraries - and inevitab

This is a sentiment that resonates strongly with me. I've tried to keep up with the latest - whether it's books, movies, or programming libraries - and inevitably, I spread my attention too thin and learn too little about too much. Now, I've swung the other direction, and begun really dedicating my attention to a narrow set of things in just about every facet of my life. It's... an interesting difference.

playpause 5y ago
Can you elaborate? I’m interested to know how you’ve done this, and what differences you’ve noticed, good and bad.
- bovermyer 5y ago
  It's been a journey rather than a clearly defined process. Easing back on TV/movies, for example, has been just as much about self-discovery ("what do I actually enjoy?" is a surprisingly difficult question to answer) as it has about choosing what to watch and when. Fear of missing out has been a struggle, but not as much of one as it used to be. Learning to accept that I won't have context for things others are talking about has been difficult, and sometimes I still feel left out when some friends are gushing about a show I have no interest in watching. On the other hand, being able to have really deep conversations about the specific shows/movies I devote time to is, in my opinion, worth the trade off. It just feels better. Outside of pop culture it gets more nuanced, but a few things seem universal. I get more satisfaction out of the things I devote time to. I feel less rushed. I feel more confident talking about the subjects I'm familiar with.
kashyapc 5y ago
Fully agree. It's a thoroughly losing game to "try to keep up" on many fronts anyway. In general, I suggest to embrace "JOMO" (joy of missing out) — a killer feature that helps keep our resting heart-rate remarkably consistent and healthy.

4 ms·

This is a sentiment that resonates strongly with me. I've tried to keep up with the latest - whether it's books, movies, or programming libraries - and inevitab

by bovermyer 5y ago

playpause 5y ago
Can you elaborate? I’m interested to know how you’ve done this, and what differences you’ve noticed, good and bad.
- bovermyer 5y ago
  It's been a journey rather than a clearly defined process. Easing back on TV/movies, for example, has been just as much about self-discovery ("what do I actually enjoy?" is a surprisingly difficult question to answer) as it has about choosing what to watch and when. Fear of missing out has been a struggle, but not as much of one as it used to be. Learning to accept that I won't have context for things others are talking about has been difficult, and sometimes I still feel left out when some friends are gushing about a show I have no interest in watching. On the other hand, being able to have really deep conversations about the specific shows/movies I devote time to is, in my opinion, worth the trade off. It just feels better. Outside of pop culture it gets more nuanced, but a few things seem universal. I get more satisfaction out of the things I devote time to. I feel less rushed. I feel more confident talking about the subjects I'm familiar with.
kashyapc 5y ago
Fully agree. It's a thoroughly losing game to "try to keep up" on many fronts anyway. In general, I suggest to embrace "JOMO" (joy of missing out) — a killer feature that helps keep our resting heart-rate remarkably consistent and healthy.