Towards the end of last year, I was scanning podcast episodes when one caught my eye: Your 2026 WILL be a waste if you don’t listen to this.

I didn’t want to waste my life and have my new year be an utter failure, so I briefly considered playing it.

The effect of the title passed, as I remembered what would more likely set me up for success. Namely, less chatter of two random guys whose backgrounds and credentials I know nothing of, and more quiet time to tune in to my own thoughts.

It’s so easy to be sucked into unproductive focus loops. Platforms are designed to addict us to their algorithms, clickbait tactics have turned predatory, and before you know it you’ve spent twenty minutes watching a video of a brown bear napping in the forest (at best), or reading a rage-inducing exposé on the villains of TJ Maxx. Which is to say nothing of the actual news.

Nothing we hear, speak, or think goes in one ear and out the other. It lands and lives within us, whether consciously or subconsciously.

The media we consume, the conversations we have, and the thoughts we think directly shape our realities.

Yet despite this, we’re far too glib about what we give our precious attention to and what we habitually choose to focus on.

When we consume mental junk by deluging our brains with a constant stream of reality-tv, social media, and societal stress, we simmer in a negative, distracting, toxic mental stew. It only stands to reason that we feel less inspired, less connected, less creative, and less vital as a result.

When we think expansive, life-affirming, grateful thoughts and speak about inspiring topics, we plant mental seeds. Each time we practice those thoughts, we strengthen their roots and our lives flourish as a result.

We cannot expect or hope to avoid altogether challenging topics. Challenges are a part of life and to deny them would be to live in delusion. And yes, we have a civic duty to be informed and proactive in society.

Still, we are responsible for protecting our inner peace and wellbeing. We do that with intentional daily choices and dosages.

We can choose to limit the amount of inconsequential chatter we ask our systems to digest and prioritize true engagement in the present moment instead.

We can be intentional about the content and tone of our conversations.

We can provide ourselves with the balance we need to thrive by focusing not just on crucial world updates, but also on hope and heroism.

Our attention is in peril, increasingly exploited for the gain of massive corporations. Directed with discipline, it is the key to our peace and contentment.