There is a physicality to looking closely, to paying attention, and the more aware you are of what attention feels like, the more aware you become of things pulling you out of that state.
Vincent Van Gogh on the accumulation of small things:
“Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together. The trick is to focus on the first small thing. Starting small is still starting, and small beginnings often lead to extraordinary endings.”
“Find the small continuities that are important when everything else seems to be changing.”
—William Bridges
Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of initiative (and creation), there is one elementary truth, the ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then Providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help... See more
“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”
Choose depth over speed, always. Read long-form articles or books and you'll notice your mind slowly repairing itself. Build long projects, stick with something and don't give up too easily. Train your patience. Don't be scared of boredom.