Q&A with Get Smart 2016 Keynote Speaker: Maura Thomas

Written by Katie McKee.

Attention Management: the Path to a Productive Life of Choice

It’s no secret that communicators are always on call, and with work, family, technology and news to keep up with, using our time wisely can be a challenge. To manage “information overload,” most of us turn to the lessons of time management, but these techniques are outdated and irrelevant. It’s time to learn work-life management skills more suitable for the 21st century. During her keynote address, award-winning international speaker Maura Thomas will help you discover the No. 1 skill for the future: “attention management.” Without giving away too much, we asked Maura to share an inside look at her discussion.

WCA: Why should we focus on work-life management rather than time management?

I suggest focusing on attention management as the new path to productivity, because “time management” is an outdated idea. Traditional time management techniques are no match for the technology and distractions of the 21st century work environment. Attention is now the most valuable resource, and therefore, attention management is now the most valuable skill. Read more at www.attentionmanagement.com

WCA: How do you use these skills in your day-to-day life?

The techniques I use and teach include controlling my environment, my technology, and my own behaviors in the pursuit of control over my attention. I also control my attention by using a specific work life management system. These things allow me to single-task, and get more work done faster, and at a higher quality.

WCA: What inspired you to build a business to help others regain their time?

After spending the first part of my professional career working for a company that sold paper-based planners and the training on how to use them, I realized that teaching people to be more productive was a unique skill I had, and also that people really needed it! It’s gratifying to help my clients learn to live with less stress, more control, and the ability to joyfully and enthusiastically bring their unique gifts to the world every day. My clients often tell me that my work is “life-changing” and that is my biggest motivator to grow my business and reach more people.

WCA: What do you hope that attendees will learn from your keynote address?

That work-life balance not only exists, it’s critical! That if they feel constantly busy, frazzled, stressed, overwhelmed, overworked, and exhausted…if they can’t find the time to eat properly, sleep enough, exercise, take time for themselves, engage in their hobbies, spend time with their friends and family — it doesn’t have to be this way!

Excited to hear more? If you haven’t purchased your tickets to Get Smart 2016, head on over to the Get Smart website to register and peruse this year’s program.