Pure Concentration

Here is a simple exercise that will increase the results you get drastically. The next activity you do, whatever it may be, give it 110% pure concentration. No matter how simple or complex the task, focus your attention solely on the activity that is in front of you. Do not allow yourself to be distracted. If you can develop this habit, you will be ahead of 95% of the people out there.

We live in a world where distractions are an ever present part of our day. Decades ago, when one was working, for example, the only way to be interrupted was if someone walked in or if the phone rang. Today, that is no longer the case. We have phones that not only ring, but there are text messages, mobile instant messaging programs, and internet access. At the same time, computers have a variety of things that can steal our focus away from what we are doing. How many times were you writing something only to have the automatic update window pop open on you? We all experienced that more than we care to remember.

People today are in the habit of allowing themselves to be easily distracted. It is a habit that we seamlessly fell into. As technologies become more prevalent, we are seeing this situation worsen. However, this goes in direct opposition to a basic component of success. To be truly successful in most endeavors, our complete attention is required. A wandering mind cannot tap into the natural power that exists when it is scattered. This is something we prove repeatedly. Consider the amount of time that is wasted in the average person's life because he or she does not know what to do next. We see this situation worsened when one has to go back and fix an error that was caused by lack of attention.

The mind cannot focus upon two things at one time. Many buy into the myth of multi-tasking. Productivity studies have proven that multi-tasking only serves to decrease output. It is simple to understand when you ponder how the mind works. Since we can only focus upon one thing at a time, trying to do two things simultaneously means that one task is not getting the proper attention. Which brings me back to the original point in this post: it is crucial that we develop the habit of focusing exclusively upon what we are doing at any given moment. This simple (but not easy) act will increase your productivity instantly.

For centuries people have written about the power of living in the present moment. While many associate this with spirituality, I find that this is where we find life. Nothing is occurring but what is taking place right now. The past is memory and the future is but a dream. Our existence is right here. However, while we find it natural for our bodies to be here, the mind operates differently. It is not bound by physical laws. Therefore, we must instill the discipline to concentrate on the present.

Try this simple exercise and see how you do with it. If you are like most, you will find it impossible to do. Pure concentration is a skill that most lack. It can be developed but does not come naturally. Therefore, use a simple activity like washing the dinner or cleaning the counter. Notice how often your mind wanders while doing these activities. While it might seem counterproductive to focus upon a task that is so simple, the benefit comes from the habit you create. Remember, the process of focusing exclusively on the dishes is the same as you apply to a report for work. And, if you are distracted while doing the dishes, bet the ranch the same will occur when you are writing your report. Remember, habits of the mind do not change with the situation. They remain the same until we consciously decide to change them.
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Focus Part III

The last couple of post (part 1 and 2) dealt with the crucial success element of focus. In the last one, we dealt with the importance of having long term focus if you want to achieve your goals. Here we are going to look at the need to remain focused in the short term.

Productivity is the ability to get things done. It is that simple. Focus is the quality which enables us to do that. We need to focus upon a particular task until it is completed. Remember, the world rewards for things that are finished. Maintaining our present concentration is vital to our success rate.

It is easy to get distracted, especially in the short term. Each day, there are lots of interruptions which will take us away from our present task. Having the ability to block all the "noise" out is what enables you to enjoy the success of the highest achievers.

One of the most powerful techniques to increasing your productivity is the utilization of a "to do" list. This simple tool is overlooked by the masses yet is common among the highest achievers. They know the value of being in control of one's focus.

When I write out my "to do" list, I am setting forth my objectives for the day. This is a basic form of goal setting. Once I have my list set down, I know where I am to focus my attention. Each task is listed in front of me. As my day progresses, I can see what it still left unresolved. This enables me to concentrate on those areas.

Another benefit to this technique is the ability to refocus when I am distracted. Certainly, there are times when we need to drop what we are doing to take care of something more pressing. This is true no matter what aspect of life we are referring to. However, having a list permits me to return my focus to the proper area when the "emergency" is taken care of. Too many waste time trying to determine where they left off.

Controlling our short term focus is the most important skill for daily success. If you watch the top producers in any field, they are the ones who spend the majority of their time on the most important activities. Those who produce the least tend to be the ones who are walking around aimlessly. It is the time spent managing the focus which separates the two.
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Focus

Do you ever feel like you are all over the place? I know this is something that I struggle with quite often. My mind has a tendency to drift while taking my focus along with it. For years, I battled the habit of bouncing from one project to the next. This led me to create lackluster results. Contained in this situation is a valuable lesson which I can attribute much of my success to.

Focus is one of the main components of success. Many will mention the importance of persistence, goal setting, and self confidence as factors for their accomplishments. While these are are crucial components, I found that focus is the single quality which will instantly separate one from all others.

I mentioned in the past that the world pays for completion. We do not value someone who accomplishes part of the job. Sports is an example of how this is present. The team that leads the game for three quarters does not receive a partial victory. It is the one that is leading at the end which is rewarded. The same is true in business. Your company will not give you a promotion based upon how many projects you started. It is the number of projects completed which is how one is judged.

How can this apply to your immediate situation? The best way to cultivate this habit is to focus on whatever it is that you are working on. Since it is reading this article, complete it before doing anything else. Successful people have the ability to maintain their concentration until the task is completed. This is your challenge now.

Take this approach in all that you do. For the rest of the day, do not leave anything incomplete. If you start it, finish it. Ignore all the distractions which will take you away from what you are doing. Developing this habit is one of the most powerful things that you can do. It will immediately send your productivity through the roof.
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Moment By Moment

I wise teacher of mine many years ago told me that life is nothing more than a series of moments and it is what we do with each of them that determines the quality of it. This brings up the question "what are you doing to make the most of this moment". At any given time, we can to focus on those activities which move our lives forward. The successful take control of their mindset in this way.

James Allen in his groundbreaking book As A Man Thinketh (available for free in the sidebar) alluded to the power of controlling our thoughts. He believed that success was determined by our thoughts. Since that time, many others followed the same concept. Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill is another such publication. Each moment is an opportunity to focus our attention on those details which really matter.

Tiger Woods has an outlook that really makes him a champion. His quest for the most wins of all time starts in his head. A few years ago this was exemplified in an interview. Woods stated that he goes into each golf tournament looking to win. Compare this with the guys who seek to "play well". Woods set the bar higher in his mind.

Jack Nicklaus, another golfing great, identified the power of the moment when he described his pre-shot routine. Nicklaus visualized the shot that was ahead of him turning out exactly how he wanted it. Notice he referred to the one he was about to hit. The putt that he made (or missed) on the last hole is irrelevant. The only thing that mattered was the shot before him.

What are you doing right now? Obviously, reading this article is helping you to understand this concept. However, what are you going to do when you are done with this? How are you going to apply this into your life? Too many try to live days, weeks, or years at a time. When one is doing this, he or she is missing the present. That person is skipping moments by looking ahead.

It is time to develop the mindset of a champion. Focus on those activities which are right in front of you. Planning is a wonderful tool. However, we cannot always be future focused. Tiger Woods is moving to the all time record by winning one tournament at a time. To do that, he hits one shot at a time. Concentrating on each moment will move us toward our goals. Begin to apply this in your life today.
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The Power of a Magnifying Glass

As children, many of us lit things such as leaves and sticks on fire using a magnifying glass. For those who failed to undertake this worthwhile endeavor, one simply magnifies the rays of the sun to a point where they will set an object aflame. The magnifying glass is held over the item until the rays get hot enough to cause ignition. This is a childhood activity which has it's foundation based in science.

The magnifying glass is an example of how we can increase the power of something. Left on their own, the sun's rays are not hot enough to set something ablaze. Magnification is required to attain this result. The same holds true in life. Often, we do not have the power to accomplish something when operating in a natural way. Magnification is needed to attain the result we are seeking. Harnessing the power that comes along with magnification allows us to increase our overall productivity.

What is life's magnifying glass? How can we increase the power that already exists within us? The answer to these questions is focus. Focusing our attention is what allows us to tap into resources that presently reside within us. The more that we are able to focus all our attention on the task at hand, the better our results are. Concentration is a discipline that few mention. Yet, it is critical for long term success.

I like to compare focus with a firearm. To me, this offers a visual which makes it easy to understand. Consider the difference between a rifle and a shotgun. A rifle fires a bullet while a shotgun sprays pellets. The rifle gives the shooter precision even at long distances. The shotgun, on the other hand, creates quite a mess of whatever it hits at a close range. The power that it has diminishes as the distance gets further. Think of this as being effective in the short term. The rifle is more effective at a longer distance. The bullet, when aimed precisely, will kill. This is similar to a long term approach.

Focus is like using a rifle to get through life. Waking up in the morning with no plan on what we are going to do is like attacking life with a shotgun. It will create a mess for the short term while having little positive effect over the long haul. A lack of focus is what causes many to leave projects unfinished. It is also the trait which enables people to bounce from one activity to the next without any standardized approach. It is a hit or miss situation. There is no precision in the actions taken.

Those who attain long-term objectives do so because they concentrate on the outcome. Goal setting or planning is a part of this equation. One needs to sit down and map out where the desired destination is. After that, a plan for the achievement of that goal is formulated. Maintaining focus on the end result is what allows one to attain the heights of achievement that is wanted. The unsuccessful, if they take the time to establish an objective, lose focus whenever a distraction arises. One needs to develop the ability to return focus when the distraction is eliminated.

At present, I am writing this article. There are many potential distractions to take me away from my goal of completing this. The cat is here wishing to be fed a couple hours early. Sadly, like a child, he does not understand the word “no”. Technology provides some ever present obstacles such as email and instant messenger. Of course, there are also a few hundred billion websites for me to go peruse through. Yet, I am maintaining my attention on the goal of completing this article. My focus helps me to overcome the distractions which are not eliminated. This goal is reaching a successful conclusion due to my dedication to finish it. I am focused on the objective until it is done.

Remember the power of the magnifying glass. The sun, as powerful as it is, cannot set a stick ablaze on it's own. Add the power of magnification and that item will burst into flames in a few seconds. Magnify your powers by focusing on what you are presently working on. Maintain that concentration until you complete the task. This single action will increase your productivity substantially.

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A Rifle Versus A Shoutgun

Most know the difference between a rifle and a shotgun. A rifle is packed with a bullet that can be aimed with tremendous precision. It is the standard weapon used by snipers. A shotgun, on the other hand, is ideal for creating a mess of human flesh. In essence, a shotgun sprays a bunch of pellets into the person. The shot is not very accurate but will destroy anything it hits at close range.

Why do I refer to these different weapons? The reason is the analogy to life that they bring. Focus is what makes the difference between using a shotgun versus a rifle. People who lack the ability to concentrate are going through life trying to use the shotgun. If they hit anything, it is because they put so much out there. The results gotten will be more haphazard.

A more effective way to accomplish this "mission" is to use the rifle. Focus is the tool we use in this arena. When we concentrate our efforts, we access all the power that we have within us. Our actions are not deluded because we are all over the place. All the power is aimed at one specific area.

To take out multiple people, a sharpshooter needs to hit one person before moving onto the next. This is what produces the desired results. Life is the same for us. We need to aim our power on one activity until it is completed before moving onto the next. This is how we are effective.

Remember this analogy when you find yourself drifting aimlessly. At those times you are trying to use a shotgun when a rifle is the proper weapon. Concentrate your efforts so that all the power within you is aimed where you need it to be. This is how you can immediately increase your success.
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Three Steps To Powerful Focus

The ability to focus is a quality that is necessary to achieve a great amount of success. In this era, there are many distractions which can take someone away from what he/she is trying to accomplish. This can occur both in the long term, such as with one's overall life goal, or in the short-term. Remaining on course is crucial if one is to fulfill his or her potential.

Focus is a habit. Have you ever noticed how some seem to have the ability to concentrate regardless of what is going on around them? At the same time, there are those who get distracted if a piece of paper falls on the floor. Being able to focus until a task is completed is crucial for your success.

Much of my life was spent as one who was continually distracted. I often would jump from one activity to another. This caused me to realize a lower amount of productivity then I would normally have enjoyed. My inability to stay mentally focused upon a task caused untold harm in my life's progression.

Fortunately, I was able to conquer this tragic habit. It took a great deal of effort, but I was eventually able to harness the power that comes from concentration. To do this, I started small while working my way up to larger activities. The process was similar to that of working out. I was able to do more as time went by.

I found a simple three step process helped tremendously. Here is what you can do today to improve your ability to focus immediately.

1. Work off a list.

A list keeps one on track. Write down all that needs to be done in a given time (i.e. in the morning) so that you can see it. List the activities in order of importance. This will enable you to concentrate on those tasks which have the most effect on your results.

2. Remain working on that task until it is complete.

The world likes people who finish things. Nothing drives others crazier than an unfinished task. It has the ability to rob us mentally and emotionally. Start with the first item on the list and do not move to #2 until it is completed. This is rather difficult in the beginning for people who are accustomed to jumping around. However, the habit is critical to our future success.

3. Eliminate distractions.

In this era, we have so much technology that it can be destructive. The tendency to get loss our focus is increased because of instant messaging, email, social groups, etc... It is best to eliminate as many of these as possible. Turn off the television and the instant messenger. Only check your email at set hours of the day. Close the extra windows on your computer so that you can focus exclusively on what you are working on. This alone will increase your productivity by at least 20%.

These are the three steps that I used to overcome my inability to focus. Utilize them to develop the habit of powerful concentration. You will find that achieving what you set out to do is much easier when you have this capability.
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