Every day we face a choice to pursue deep or shallow work, podcast host Srinivas Rao explains. 

Shallow work gives us the temporary illusion of accomplishment, he writes, but little of significance results from shallow reporting and writing.

He could be talking about us hurriedly writing up the latest sordid crime or tonight’s council actions.

It’s part of what our readers expect of us journalists. We keep an eye on the cops, public officials, whatever our sources tell us or breaking news that’s available.

Now let’s think about our readers. Is shallow reporting all they need and want? Probably not. Deeper work such as uncovering the facts someone doesn’t want revealed takes time we don’t always have.

“I know I’d get more done and be happier if I just slowed down and focused more deeply on one thing at a time,” writes blogger Harris Sockel. “Yet I’m always sucked back into shallow attention.” 

Paying attention seems simple. But with the flood of information coming to us every minute, what do we need to pay attention to?

It’s more than just focusing. But we can start by getting off the internet and social media. 

We may have something more important to do such as write, post or edit an article or check a news source, the cops or the prosecutor’s office.

Check your email only as needed unless you are close to deadline. Here’s an example of what I mean.

We were sending our last pages to the printer one evening when the U.S. Attorney emailed a bulletin that a high-ranking local politician had been arrested for unethical conduct. That was a shocker.

We had sent everything but the front page and had to jettison another story to get this onto our lead front page position. Our web site was easier. We simply posted the story on the home page and followed up with details as we learned more. 

Our readers’ attention spans aren’t much different from ours. They see the same online product and service offers we do. Remember that Google ads are designed to lure us into shallow attention. Google has made a fortune selling our attention to advertisers. 

Readers skip through our online or print news. They read headlines for information they are interested in.

If your short attention span presents problems, here is what you can do to improve your focus.

• Chew gum. I know it sounds crazy but the Trusted Source website reported that research has found that chewing gum improves attention, performance alertness and lowers stress. That may be why ball players switched from chewing tobacco to gum.
• Drink water to stay hydrated. Being dehydrated for just two hours can impair your focus.
• Exercise. Take a brisk 30-minute walk a day four or five times a week. Numerous studies have shown that exercise improves attention and focus.
• Meditation involves training your mind to focus and redirect your thoughts. This practice helps develop a positive outlook and self-discipline. You can learn more about meditation by searching online. It’s worth your time to research it.
• Keep yourself engaged. Many of us have known professors whose lectures would put you to sleep. If you struggle to pay attention during meetings or lectures, ask questions and take notes by hand rather than using a laptop or other device which is distracting.
• Behavioral therapy refers to several types of therapy that treat mental health conditions. It helps identify and change unhealthy or self-destructive behaviors.

Why not give  your stars copies of The Art of Compelling Writing. Volumes 1 and 2 are available at Amazon.com. These books were published to help editors like you teach your reporters how to write well.Proceeds go to adult literacy tutoring. Help us change lives by teaching reading and writing.To comment or with questions, please write JerryBellune@yahoo.com