Definition
We have the ability to think in the past and in the future, we have the great ability to fantasize, we are able to make assumptions about things that might happen or what could have happened if.
Freeing ourselves from these thoughts is what allows us to perform exactly to perfection with respect to what we are.
That moment of the present, in which we are in the flow is our maximum concentration.
Wikipedia defines flow as that mental state in which we are completely immersed in an activity, fully focused.
Why?
To listen, study, grow, empathize, it is necessary to be attentive and focused, especially in a highly volatile world with constant background noise.
Prerequisites
Training and dedication. Whatever the task at hand, it takes years of activity to really make us skilled and capable of having above-average concentration. Results in one day are not really possible, it takes patience and perseverance.
4 Key Concepts
It is necessary to understand what are the main reasons that do not allow us to be fully focused.
What are my thoughts and why do I have them?
If I can choose the right ones among all those present, then I am on the right track.
Thoughts that disturb us
It is necessary to understand and divide thoughts into two categories, those that distract and those that do not. The distinction is important because a thought that does not disturb me has great power, it is able to drive out all the others.
Our brain, despite what we think, is able to do only one thing at a time.
A 2010 study showed that we spend about 47% of our time thinking about something else;
Focus on what you have and not on what you will have
Being focused on the final goal, on achieving our goal is important. This aspect has the downside that it can divert attention from what we are doing right now.
We need to know who we are, the road we have taken and the one we are taking, the work we are carrying forward, and stay there, at the moment.
Having the correct frame when performing any task is essential.
We are frustrated by not having time
The underlying idea of current social dynamics is one that judges people based on the number of activities they perform.
So you have to do a lot, produce a lot and never stand still.
To be good at something, however, takes time. It takes dedication and sacrifice. Time begins to run out when we can’t finish things because we’re too distracted by other activities.
Multitasking
There are different studies showing the negative effects of this practice in different fields:
Let’s not fall into this trap, our mind puts all activities in line and processes them one at a time. We can be good and minimize the transition from one activity to another, but the price to pay is high.
How to Improve?
To have long-term focus we must seek and find satisfaction and meaning within ourselves.
Our attention must be directed towards ourselves, within us, without seeking constant feedback from the world around us.
A series of basic rules and good habits to be more aware are:
- Eliminate distractions
- Drastically reduce multitasking
- Practice meditation
- Stay hydrated
- Regularly engage in physical activity
- Take breaks, using for example the Pomodoro technique.
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