We have a four-part system that Manages our attention.
Human Attentional System
- The Central Executive - what you’re consciously aware of. Able to focus for extended periods of time on specific things.
- The Default Network - a daydreaming mode. Boredom. The mind thinks autobiographically. You process goals. Remember things. Vaguely think about the future.
- The Attentional Filter - a constantly-running unconscious process which brings things (usually changes or other important things) to the attention. Allows you to basically drive without thinking about it, but still notice and react when a potentially dangerous situation is approaching.
- The Attentional Switch - a part of the brain that allows the central executive function to switch its focus from one thing to another