Seems to me that if you focus too much on things that matter but you have no control over (ie: political porn), you may be putting yourself through unnecessary emotional turmoil. Likewise, focusing on things you can control but don’t really matter are mere distractions.
When it comes to financial planning and investing, many people lose sight of the things they can control (spending, savings) and focus on the things they can’t (direction of the markets and economy). Focusing on the things you can’t control is a waste of time, energy, and often, money.
The key, of course, is to find those things where your energy expenditure (emotional or otherwise) will make a difference in your life and/or those you love. Easier said than done.
Right on,
Ross