“Give whatever you are doing and whoever you are with the gift of your attention.”

– Jim Rohn

There’s a game-changer we carry with us every moment, one that’s too often overlooked: Attention. Attention isn’t just about looking or hearing—it’s an active, intentional act, an expression of curiosity and respect. When you’re engaged in a task, your attention isn’t merely a spotlight—it’s the stage, the director, and the audience. It’s the transformative force that turns the mundane into art.

Attention is more than a mere mental resource. It’s an invitation—an open door welcoming others into your world. It says, “You matter. Your words count. Your presence has an impact.” It’s not just seeing or hearing. It’s engaging, understanding, empathizing. It’s the bridge we build, not out of bricks or steel, but out of genuine human connection.

In the economy of relationships, attention is the most valuable currency. It’s an investment. The more you pour it into your interactions, the richer your experiences become. Your attention doesn’t diminish with use. On the contrary, it amplifies, echoes, and resonates, creating a shared understanding that deepens and endures.

Think of it as a never-ending cycle. You give your attention, you add value. You add value, you enhance experiences. You enhance experiences, you strengthen connections. So, step up and offer your attention. Paint the world with this underrated yet powerful tool. Let it create ripples in the ocean of interactions, transforming the common into the extraordinary.

Stephen Boudreau serves as VP of Brand and Community at Virtuous Software. For over two decades, he has helped nonprofits leverage the digital space to grow their impact. To that end, Stephen co-founded RaiseDonors, a platform that provides nonprofits with technology and experiences that remove barriers to successful online fundraising. He is an avid (but aging) soccer player, audiobook enthusiast, and the heavily-disputed UNO champion of his household.

Copyright ©2023 Stephen Boudreau.