Not a waste but an investment.
This week’s reading, Your Brain at Work by Dr. David Rock, reminded me of “Thinking, Fast and Slow” by Daniel Kahneman, which we read a few weeks ago. Both books break down how our brains function. Kahneman explains the two systems in our minds—one that operates on autopilot and another that activates when we need to think more deeply. He describes how System 1 runs automatically while System 2 typically engages when effortful thinking is required. Essentially, our brains prefer to take the easiest route whenever possible. Dr. Rock extends this idea, explaining how we can train our minds to focus better and manage distractions, which is something I’ve needed to improve in my own life.
Before coming to the U.S., I only spoke Russian. My mom invested a lot of money in English tutors, but honestly, it felt like a waste. No matter how hard I tried, I just couldn’t grasp what they were teaching me. However, when I moved here, everything changed. Within weeks, I began to understand English, and in six months, I was speaking and writing fluently. Looking back, I realize that it wasn’t just about learning the language—it was about immersing myself in it. Dr. Rock discusses how “Mindfulness is a habit; the more one practices, the more likely one is to be in that mode with less and less effort… Mindfulness isn’t difficult. What’s difficult is to remember to be mindful.”² That’s exactly how I felt about English. It wasn’t that I couldn’t learn it; I just needed to be in an environment where I had no choice but to use it every day.
Learning a new language wasn’t easy, as my brain preferred to stick to what was comfortable. In Russia, I’d rather play soccer than study, and when school became challenging, video games were my escape. Dr. Rock explains how distractions drain our ability to focus, noting that “A study conducted at the University of London found that constant emailing and text messaging reduce mental capability by an average of ten points on an IQ test.”³ If that’s the effect of texts and emails, imagine what hours of gaming did to my focus. Eventually, I had to become intentional about where I directed my mental energy.
I also had to learn to consider what truly mattered instead of merely what was easiest to focus on. Dr. Rock says, “We often think about what’s easy to consider, rather than what’s right to consider.”⁴ It’s so simple to concentrate on things that don’t genuinely propel us forward, but learning to prioritize the right things is a game-changer. He also suggests, “Schedule blocks of time for different modes of thinking.”⁵ I started applying that idea—setting aside time to focus, whether for school or just contemplating big decisions. That small change definitely helps a lot.
Romans 8:5 states, “Those who live according to the flesh have their minds set on what the flesh desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires.” This verse reminds me why living for Christ brings true peace. Many people in this world lead good lives and find happiness in various ways. However, as Christians, we don’t just live for this world—we live for the eternal life that Jesus is preparing for us. Dr. Rock explains, “There’s a famous finding in the psychological literature… showing that six months later, someone who has become a paraplegic is just as happy as someone who’s won the lottery.”⁶ This proves that circumstances don’t define happiness—perspective does. That’s why, no matter what happens, I can maintain my peace. My joy isn’t solely based on what’s happening right now but on something much greater.
One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is the importance of self-awareness. Dr. Rock states, “Without this ability to stand outside your experience, without self-awareness, you would have little capacity to moderate and direct your behavior moment to moment.” My faith has enabled me to step back and view life from a broader perspective. Rather than getting lost in distractions or temporary struggles, I can focus on what truly matters.
Footnotes:
¹ Kahneman, Daniel. Thinking, Fast and Slow p. 31.
² Rock p. 191
³ Rock p. 36
⁴ Rock p. 57
⁵ Rock p. 164
⁶ Rock p. 198
⁷ Rock p. 146
About the Author
Ivan Ostrovsky
6 responses to “Not a waste but an investment.”
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Ivan, you mentioned you’ve been setting aside blocks of time for specific things like school, work, etc. What does that look like for you?
Robert, I was thinking the same thing as I read through Ivan’s blog.
Ivan, can I add to his question of “what does it look like for you?” by asking…How do you guard it? It may be that I don’t prioritize well or become distracted, but I feel as though I simply run out of time for uninterrupted contemplation.
Darren, it is not easy to guard against this. I have so many responsibilities that it can get overwhelming sometimes. Yet, what I am realizing is that, in order to stay sane and do my job well, I have to be intentional. Intentional about blocking out time when I don’t use my phone or watch TV. Intentional about taking 20, 30, or 40 minutes to complete a task, then taking an earned break.
Robert, thank you for that question. To focus, I usually need to put my phone on silence or turn it off. Additionally, I prefer to work in unfamiliar places, such as coffee shops, or where I’ve never been before.
Ivan,
I appreciate your comment about stepping into your faith and having it provide a broader perspective. We have explored combinations of stages and systems – (back/front) and (1 and 2) and now the role of the director controlling entry to another stage residing in our brain. Where do you interpret the Holy Spirit sitting amongst this? When we were going through Kahneman, did the Holy Spirit sit amongst System 2? Or something completely different?
Referencing time management, I also recommend Deep Work by Newport. I’ve been using those tools and have found them worthy. Again, I am still a work in progress.
Thank you for the book suggestion; I will definitely look into it!
Navigating the role of the Holy Spirit in my life guides me; however, I believe that the Holy Spirit’s presence is felt not just in the forefront but also in those quieter, behind-the-scenes moments. For me, it has been a comforting guide in System 2, encouraging me every step of the way. Ultimately, it’s all about growing closer to Jesus. While growth can sometimes feel a bit challenging or uncomfortable, I know it leads to wonderful transformation.