Have you ever tried pushing a string across a table? It's an exercise in futility. Similarly, many of us struggle with focus. We know we need to be more focused and less distracted, but the harder we try, the more it seems like our efforts fall short. It's as if we're pushing that string, resulting in feelings of guilt and self-blame. But fret not, there's a better way.
Focus Equals Center of Attention: Let's redefine our understanding of focus. Imagine a great photograph. As you look at it, your eye is naturally drawn to a clear focal point—the center of attention. Now, consider this: focus equals center of attention. The key is to make focus more natural, rather than a forced or laborious endeavor.
Finding the Natural Flow of Focus: To make focus more natural, we need to shift our perspective. First, let's focus on why we're engaging in a particular task or project. Sometimes we get lost in the work and forget the underlying purpose. By reminding ourselves of the "why," we can rekindle our motivation and regain our focus.
Additionally, we should explore the meaning behind the task. Finding or reminding ourselves of the purpose and significance will naturally draw our attention. With a sense of purpose, we can set aside distractions and fully commit to the present moment.
Choosing Focus over Forcing Focus: When we align our interests and attention with the task at hand, we transition from forcing ourselves to focus to actively choosing to focus. By doing so, our interest and attention naturally grow, leading to heightened productivity and a sense of fulfillment.
Remember, forcing focus is akin to pushing a string—it yields limited results. Instead, focus becomes effortless when we reconnect with the why behind our work. Our goal is to help you focus on what truly matters and why it matters, so you can enhance your effectiveness and experience a more remarkable day.
Sign up for Your Remarkable Day Newsletter: I invite you to join us on this journey of personal and professional growth. Sign up for our free newsletter, Your Remarkable Day, which arrives in your inbox every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Discover more about the newsletter and sign up at KevinEikenberry.com/newsletters. I would be delighted to have you as part of our community.
Follow The Remarkable Leadership Podcast
"Forcing focus is like pushing a string. You naturally become more focused when you remember why the work matters." @KevinEikenberry