I’m
an empath, and over the years I’ve noticed how easily attention sharpens
when something truly interests a person. Details then become clearer, the mind
is more alert, and energy is more focused. Why? It’s simply because we are
governed by our interests.
We tend to see, understand, and respond to the world around us when it’s
directly tied to what we care about. When we’re passionate about a subject or
invested in a goal, we notice things others miss. We become more capable, more
aware, more alive.
But what happens when our interests are misaligned? Here lies the problem.
One example is our interest in other people. When we become far too interested in the downfall of others—their failures, their flaws, their drama—we are attracted to everything negative. We spend more time on news feeds that are flooded with scandal and controversy. Conversations veer toward criticism rather than celebration. And all the while, the world quietly falls apart—not because we’re blind, but because we’re looking the wrong way.
Another example is sport. Think of a passionate sports fan. They know the
history of their team, every player’s stats, the game schedule, even the
nuances of the referee’s calls. Their interest sharpens their senses—they
notice subtle plays, strategy shifts, body language. It’s not because they’re
more intelligent than anyone else—it’s because they care. Their focus is fueled
by passion, and as a result, their awareness and insight deepen.
Now compare that with someone watching a game they don’t care about. They miss
the details, the tension, the artistry. The same event unfolds before both
people, but only one is truly awake to it. That’s the power of interest.
But even in sport, misaligned interest shows up. Fans can become fixated on an
athlete’s mistakes rather than their effort. A missed goal, a bad pass, a
defeat—and suddenly the tide turns. Harsh words fly, online abuse spikes, and
judgment replaces admiration. Talent is overshadowed by one bad moment.
What would happen if we became more interested in people’s progress than their mistakes? More invested in solutions than in problems? What if we paid attention to the quiet acts of courage, the slow climb of someone rebuilding their life, the small but significant steps of someone chasing a dream?
Interest is power. It directs our energy, our attention, and ultimately, our
actions. When our interest shifts from destruction to development, from
judgment to encouragement, we start to rebuild not just others—but ourselves.
So here’s a challenge for all of us:Take stock of your interests. What are you
drawn to? What captures your attention? Are you feeding your mind with
negativity, or are you tuning in to things that elevate, inspire, and push you
forward?
Because the truth is, the world becomes what we choose to focus on. And if we want to live in a better one, we need to care about better things.
Stay focused. Stay inspired. Choose interest that builds, not breaks.
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