What Makes You Lose Track Of Time?

This morning, I started working around 7:30 on something that needed thinking, connecting dots and solving a problem. Before I knew it, it was almost 11. I had been at it for three and a half hours and had not once looked at the clock.

In the afternoon, I had to finish some administrative work. Nothing difficult. In fact, on paper it was simpler than what I had done in the morning. But I kept getting distracted. I was forcing myself to stay with it. Every few minutes, my mind wanted to go somewhere else.

It made me think about something I often tell my son when he asks how to know what kind of work he should pursue.

Don’t overcomplicate it.

Ask yourself: what kind of work makes me lose track of time? What kind of problem gives me energy while solving it? What kind of effort feels meaningful even when it is hard?

That is usually where the signal is.

And equally, pay attention to what makes you tune out, procrastinate, and feel tired even before you begin. That is also data.

The work that suits you is not always the easiest work. Sometimes it is difficult, but it pulls you in. You feel alive doing it.

We often know more about ourselves than we admit. The body keeps score. The mind gives clues. Energy tells the truth.

The challenge is not always finding the answer. Sometimes, it is simply paying attention.