When we talk of getting focused this means specifically to see what captures our undivided time, attention and energy. Choosing what you’re going to focus on overall imparts clarity. Does this mean you’re only going to focus on these specific things? Not at all.
This is a trap some people fall into and so they become too focused, to the exclusion of the rest of their life. I suspect this stops some people focusing because they’ve seen others who are too focused so they feel they’d be overwhelmed by the intensity of it.
Some people are very work-focused to an unhealthy degree. There are others who, for instance, with a new relationship, become so focused that everything else in their life is pushed to one side. This type of focus is too narrow. You need to keep your perspective. There’s also another element to being focused and that’s about being focused in the moment. Whatever you focus on, there are many other things going on in your life. What you’re focusing on isn’t the only thing. Although focused, you need to encompass all areas of your life and strike a balance. You can be totally work focused at work, but at other times be totally focused elsewhere, whether that’s relationships or fun etc. I suggest you should be 100% focused on whatever you’re doing.
It’s very stressful to think about things other than those you’re doing at this particular moment. You’ll feel pulled in different directions and anxious, unable to give your full attention. But without your full attention, what you’re currently doing probably isn’t being done well, is ineffective and is unlikely to produce quick results. You’ve probably wasted quite a bit of time.
Be focused on the thing you’re doing at the moment, whatever is right in front of you. If you’re eating, don’t watch TV at the same time. If you’re having a conversation, concentrate totally, listen and respond. If you’re not fully focused, you’re probably not listening well. This may mean that the other person doesn’t feel heard, feels frustrated with you and misunderstandings are created. I’m sure you can imagine how ineffective all this is and the problems which may ensue. However, if you had focused on the conversation it might have taken less time, led to a greater understanding and left no unresolved issues.
Being focused means thinking, doing and being with one thing at a time. Give it your full attention rather than half-heartedly, whilst thinking of other things. Whatever it is, be fully engrossed in it. If you notice that when you try to focus on one thing there are many other things running through your mind, you need to set up a structure to handle this. Being focused is about who you are as a person, not just what you do. It’s not just focusing at work; it’s about the whole of you being focused and this will impact all areas of your life. It takes practice but what better time than now to start practising? To practise being focused, pick a specific activity and choose to be focused. Be with all of the sounds, thoughts, feelings, smells and whatever else is going on. Perhaps pick an activity like washing up, building a tower of children’s bricks, a conversation or your breathing and be totally focused. At first you may find your attention wandering all over the place. This is natural and just shows how difficult being focused really is. Keep practising; the more focused you are when washing up, the more focused you’re likely to be at work.
Wendy Hearn works with business owners, professionals and executives to discover and unlock their own inspiration, to effortlessly take the actions required to have the success they desire. To receive Wendy’s free newsletter, send an email to: newsletter@wendyhearn.par32.com http://www.Business-Personal-Coaching.com Copyright 2003, Wendy Hearn. All rights reserved.
