Digital Ascetism: Mastering the Mind for Leadership

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The digital age has created a crisis of attention. For a leader, "distraction" is more than a nuisance; it is a barrier to strategic thinking and spiritual depth. If you cannot master your own brain, you cannot effectively lead your organization or your community.

This executive education course offers a "digital reset" based on a powerful synthesis of ancient and modern wisdom. By integrating the virtue theory of St. Thomas Aquinas with cutting-edge neuroscience, we provide you with a framework for Digital Ascetism. You will learn to break the dopamine loops of social media and build the habits of self-control required for "deep work," virtuous leadership, and a contemplative heart.

This course is an online, self-paced course including the following modules:
  • Module 1 – Course Introduction
  • Module 2 – Classical Virtue vs. Contemporary Approaches
  • Module 3 – Brain Activity and Attenuation
  • Module 4 – Attention

What you will be able to do:

  • Identify Digital Deceptions: Recognize the specific psychological triggers social media uses to fragment your attention and hijack your willpower.

  • Cultivate "Deep Focus": Implement a "Thomistic" daily schedule that prioritizes "Right Reason" and deep intellectual work over reactive digital noise.

  • Master the Neurochemistry of Virtue: Understand how to "re-wire" your brain’s reward system to find satisfaction in mission-driven goals rather than digital "likes."

  • Lead with Presence: Learn to use technology as a tool for mission without allowing it to compromise your presence to your staff, your family, or God.

"I have a very active brain. Here I teach the fruit of my labor to understand what's going on and what I can do about it."

 

Rev. Robert Gahl, Ph.D.
Assoc. Professor of Church Management and Director of Church Management Program
Busch School of Business
The Catholic University of America
For a complete bio, click here.

Completion of this course grants a $149 voucher toward our Graduate Certificate or MCA (Masters of Church Administration). Enroll for $149, and if you choose to pursue a Graduate Certificate or MCA later, your $149 will be applied as a tuition credit.

Most dioceses offer reimbursement for clergy ongoing formation of this kind. Contact your Vicar for Clergy to confirm this course applies to your diocesan policy. 

 

Total Time: 3 Hours

Completion Time: One Afternoon

Time Saved: Hours Every Week

Solve a Problem: Take a self-paced non-credit course ($109).
Stack Your Skills: Earn your Certificate of Completion and a $109 credit.
Lead the Church: Apply your credits toward a Master of Science in Church Management.

Solve a Problem: Take a self-paced non-credit course.
Stack Your Skills: Earn your Digital Badge and a tuition credit.
Lead the Church: Apply your tuition credits toward a MCA degree.

A leader who cannot focus cannot strategize. Our Master’s in Church Administration builds on this foundation of personal excellence, teaching you the high-level Organizational Behavior and Strategic Management skills needed to lead large-scale institutions in the 21st century.

Pathway to Mastery


Is your parish facing financial hardship? We believe no priest should be denied formation due to budget. Click here to apply for a Parish Excellence Grant to your enrollment, or send an email to busch-cmp@cua.edu.

Most dioceses offer reimbursement for clergy ongoing formation of this kind. Contact your Vicar for Clergy to confirm this course applies to your diocesan policy. 

Online, asynchronous through Brightspace at The Catholic University of America.

No in-person or specific course days/times required.

Start and end when you want. 

This course is taught in English. Other languages are available upon request. Please email busch-cmp@cua.edu for more details.

Price: $149.00
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