In a world of many things competing for our time and attention it is easy to understand why it might be difficult to focus. It seems we want to assure we are consciously aware of all that is moving around us. Whether it’s digital connectivity, conversations that are in earshot, or movement of things that catch our eye, we seem to want to be “in the loop”. Maybe FOMO – Fear of Missing Out? However, despite the belief that multi-tasking yields more successful outcomes, quite the contrary is known to be true. Statistically, concentrated efforts produce higher quality in shorter time. And, I am sure you would agree that someone who gives you focused attention makes you feel good.
According to The Modern Professionals “Guide to Organisation and Focus” by Carthage Buckley there are a few benefits that we are sure to value when we are focused versus living a life of constant interruptions. As we think about the benefits, we may find ourselves making better choices minimizing or eliminating distractions or interruptions while staying focused on our short and long term goals.
How might it feel to enjoy your relationships with more joy by being present with the people you most value at work or in your personal life? When someone comes to your office to see you, consciously tell yourself that this moment is for us to connect, to listen, to engage fully. Know that this moment will not come again, let’s not waste it with distractions. Give your spouse, your child, your mom, your peer, anyone who is meaningful to you your undivided attention. Think about the impact you will have on the other person and they on you for being fully present in the moment. As we grow, we learn and appreciate that time is the most important gift we can give to anyone. Why minimize this joy for yourself? And yes, you get to choose to whom you give such a precious gift.
How might you feel about those who choose you to work with on projects, those who are willing to advocate for you, or give you funding for a cause because they have faith in your abilities to get things done? Focusing on your intended outcomes can provide a venue for such attractions. Focus is the silent partner that delivers the promise of success by continuously improving performance including clarity of mind to make best decisions with greater ease.
Can you remember a time when you focused on a project so intently and as you completed the final touches or presented it to your boss or delivered the solution to a customer that you beamed with joy? You were filled with pride, confidence, and others gave you a “high five”. When we focus and pour all of ourselves into something, it is natural to feel confident and know you can do it again.
As we become confident in our successes, we learn what works and what doesn’t quite fit. It is this conscious awareness that feeds our ability to try new things and see things that may fall short as learning versus failure. We can see mistakes as part of the process of growing into our greatness allowing us to focus on what is important, valued and what to move aside.
When we are organized and focused we feel energetic, motivated, even enthusiastic. We can think more clearly yielding our most desired outcomes.
Focusing on what is important at the moment, being present in the moment, and giving attention to what is in front of us rather than attempting to multitask, hoping for best outcomes, prepares us to be great leaders of ourselves and others. I am sure you can recall a leader who you admired because they listened intently to you, valued what you had to say, asked questions with curiosity, and made you feel most important. These are some characteristics of a great leader.
Focus is the silent partner for excellence, success. Are you ready to bring more focus to your career, relationships, and your life? Let’s start now and be patient with yourself – a new habit is forming.
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