Attention Management vs Time Management
Paradigm shift from managing time to managing attention, recognizing attention as the more scarce and valuable resource. Maura Thomas's framework emphasizes controlling where attention goes rather than what fills hours, as productivity depends on attention quality not time quantity.
Last updated: 2026-03-18 11:25
Overview
Attention Management recognizes managing attention matters more than managing time.
Key Principle
You can't control time, but you can control attention. Productivity depends on attention quality, not hours worked.
Four Types of Attention
- Controlled attention (intentional focus)
- Captured attention (reactive to environment)
- Attracted attention (pulled by interest)
- Rejected attention (deliberately ignored)
Practice Shifts
- From scheduling to attention allocation
- From time logs to attention logs
- From multitasking to single-tasking
- From availability to boundaries
Pricing
Free framework from Maura Thomas.
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