It is important for us to realize what too much multitasking can do to our brains. Some interesting brain research from Your Brain at Work by David Rock tells us that to focus more effectively, we must retrain our mind for uninterrupted concentration.

Our most high and holy job is to be present to our relationship with the moment, with the urging of our heart, the needs of our well-being, and be patient for what this requires.

We can set timers and hide our email programs in an attempt to beat back the hordes. Or we can fill our lives with so many wonderful things that there's just not a whole lot of room left for distractions.

Turn all your electronic devices off and listen to the sound of your own thoughts. Turn your child's devices off as well.

The challenge is that we have not realized the true cost of distractions: they use up what turns out to be a limited supply of attention each day. Distractions also make us far less effective.

Far from a vague platitude, this is the cornerstone of effective action in the world. It means that our strength lies in our ability to influence others in a beneficial way.