A little under Rs 41 – that’s the average price for each hour of an Indian’s attention. But this is assuming the worst case that you’re way down the pecking order. The cost of attention multiplies exponentially as you go higher up the earning ladder.
If I have your attention now, just how did I get to this number is a question you ought to ask.
The most recent estimates have it that the average Indian earns Rs 1.27 lakh (Rs 127,000) per annum. That’s just about Rs 10,500 per month.
For the sake of an argument, and given the awful times we live in, assuming this average person must work 26 days each month, 10 hours every day, the price of the average person’s attention works to a little over Rs 40 for hour of work they put in.
Now, imagine for a moment that someone earns Rs 50,000 each month. The monetary value of their attention shoots up to about Rs 192 for each hour of work they engage in. This is basis the assumptions made earlier.
Do the math in your context and ask if you’d give part with such kind of monies away to anyone screaming, such as a telecaster or a cranky colleague who needs attention. Or, would you much make the case that you be paid more so you stay focused ?
If that math has begun to sunk in, and money isn’t a constraint or doesn’t play a big role in your life, here’s another way to look at things: Where would you much rather invest your time in that so that you get the highest ROI in terms of joy and fulfilment?
I cannot think of a more stronger case to stay focused.