Your Attention Is Your Superpower

Once my oldest boy started asking for stories of his choosing, I got to know a lot more about comics and super heroes. Suddenly, I was reading Little Golden Books featuring Yoda and Luke Skywalker. I was failing at a passable Hulk voice and a Spiderman web “thwip”. And I became familiar with which character had what superpower.

And lately, one of these stories got me to thinking about my super power.

Yes. I have one.

And you do, too.

Your superpower is your attention.

“Your Super Power Is Your Attention“

Why is your attention your super power, you ask?

Well, it turns out that just like the superpowers of Superman and Wonder woman, your attention is life and world changing.

Let’s look at how this works. If you start to think about it, everyone wants your attention. From day one, your parents want your attention in order to keep you safe. In order to teach you things about how to live. I can’t count the number of times I have asked my kids for their attention. When I have it, I have influence over them. When I don’t have it, chaos reigns.

Teachers require attention from their students. When teachers have your attention, they can change the course of your life. You paid attention in math class, and now you discover you love math and want to be an engineer. You paid attention to your reading, and suddenly you became a wizard with words. Without your attention, none of that would happen.

The whole point of the advertising and marketing fields is to figure out how to get your attention. Why? Because once a product has your attention, your attention unlocks the door to your wallet, your time, your likes, and your influence.

Your attention is the key to your life. And it is precious.

That’s why we use words like “pay attention” and “give me your attention.” Attention’s not something that is free. It costs something to us when we give our attention. And it is a gift when we get it. For when we have someone’s attention, that person is giving us a part of his/her life.

So What Does This Mean?

With our attention, we can change our lives, and we can change the world.

If we wield our attention like superheroes wield their powers, we can change our lives and change the world.

In fact, if you want to change your life, you have to start with your attention. The first step is to direct your attention to the area of your life which requires a shift.

Start to notice your attention today. To what do you pay attention? How is your attention shaping your life?

The best thing about this question is that you actually have full control over your attention once you know it’s your super power.

Suddenly, instead of being distracted like a puppy noticing every squirrel, you can use your attention like Luke wields a light saber.

But, much like Luke with his light saber, this takes training. And practice. Once you start to be mindful of your attention, you’ll be surprised at how much your attention tries to wander. Sorta like Hulk’s strength can get a little out of control, if you’re not careful, your attention can get you in a bit of trouble.

So how can you change your life by changing your attention?

1. Pay attention to your attention. Are you intentional or are you directed by the calls of others for your attention? Do you decide to what to give your attention or does your attention run you? The first step is getting a hold of your attention and starting to intentionally use it with wisdom.
2. Examine to what and whom you are attending. Where do you give most of your attention? Work? Family? Celebrities? Netflix? Instagram? Sports? Take an attention inventory! Are these the things that deserve your attention? Is giving your attention to these going to help you get better?
3. Decide to what or whom you ought to be attending in order to change your life. What or who, if you gave them your attention, would help you be better?
4. Act! Unfollow or follow particular people on social media. Change your TV channel. Reset your Netflix queue. Ask a mentor to breakfast. Email that friend who was a good influence on you.
5. Watch (so meta!) how your attention shapes your life in a new and powerful way.

Next, Change The World

Your attention is not just a super power for you. It’s a super power that can change the world.

My friend works in the film industry. I was complaining to him about what I perceived to be the gratuitous violence and sex in everything on TV now. After listening patiently to my ranting, he asked, very politely, “Why are you watching those shows if you don’t like them? You know that the media will stop making those movies if no one watches them, right?”

With that question, he reminded me of my power to change the world with my attention.

Don’t like violent video games? Don’t give them your attention.

Hate the porn industry? Don’t give it your attention.

Wish that people would stop gossiping? Don’t give gossips your attention.

Wish that people cared more about the environment? Give your attention to shows and experiences that promote that.

Want politicians to stop yelling at each other and start governing? Give your attention to the ones who will.

And then challenge others to consider their attention like my movie industry friend gently challenged mine.

A Final Note: The Power of Follow Me

I would be remiss without mentioning the ultimate and best way to change your life and change the world. Giving your attention to Jesus.

Jesus knew about this super power. He told his first disciples, “Come, follow me…and I will send you out to fish for people” (Matthew 4:19). In this moment, Jesus was directing their attention to a better way to live. He was asking them to give him their attention, and by doing so, they would not only change their lives, but they would change the world.

I can say that, for me, choosing to follow Jesus has been the most positive and life-changing decision I’ve ever made. Follow him and see how loving others and loving God with all your attention can shape you in ways you’ve never imagined.