This is the most disruptive change in mental performance in my 40 years

July 1, 2026 - 10:27

The problem, he explains, is not a lack of motivation or talent. It is the constant pull of digital distractions. Smartphones, social media, and endless notifications have rewired how people pay attention. Troesch says the ability to sustain deep focus has eroded faster than any other skill he has observed. He compares it to trying to run a marathon while someone keeps tapping your shoulder every few seconds. The brain never gets a full stride.

Troesch points out that this is not just about productivity. It affects how people handle pressure, learn from mistakes, and stay present in high-stakes moments. He has seen clients who are brilliant but cannot hold a thought for more than a few minutes without checking a device. The fix, he believes, is not about willpower alone. It requires deliberate practice in unplugging and training the mind to sit with discomfort. In his view, this is the new frontier of mental performance, and it demands a level of discipline that many have never needed before.