For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.
Researchers worry that the constant checking of phones, apps, emails, texts, and social media are creating short attention spans. Yet, those same individuals can binge-watch hours and hours of shows like Game of Thrones, Walking Dead, and Portlandia. An opposite reaction has occurred, the ability to focus on something for an extended time period.
Derek Sivers brilliantly wrote that “every abundance creates a new scarcity.”
Every time something changes there is an equal and opposite chain reaction.
Action: More Meetings, More Emails
Reaction: Creation of Slack, virtual meetings, and document sharing
Action: More and More Music to choose from and platforms to listen
Reaction: A need for daily recommendations (Spotify) to help us find the latest and best music.
Action: Less stability in jobs, increased need for change
Reaction: A need to increase skill sets in new areas. Becoming change agile. Relying on yourself, instead of the organization.
Action: Superstores like Walmart and Target
Reaction: Amazon, hassle-free at-home shopping.
The chief economist at Google said, “If you are looking for a career where your services will be in high demand, you should find something where you provide a scarce, complementary service to something that is getting ubiquitous and cheap.
It’s time to kick in some self-reflection and critical thinking and find where you and your career currently stand. In the Action or Reaction Stage? You have been warned!