While I was playing tennis today (on my Wii!), I was reminded of the importance of focus.  Each time my mind wandered I lost the point.  It wasn’t the first time I noticed this phenomenon.  Whether it’s on the Wii or on the court, when I’m distracted by things I have to do, calls I have to make, or something in the periphery of my vision (literally or figuratively) I lose the point.  I consciously tell myself to focus on only the current point — not the ones I’ve lost or the next ones I hope to win. 

The same holds true in any endeavor.  We are bombarded with the sounds of e-mails coming into our box, phones ringing, and mental messages that detract from our ability to be present in the moment.  Those who pride themselves on the ability to multi-task don’t realize that something gets dropped in the process — details, quality,  seeing the big picture or prioritization.  Current research shows that multi-tasking actually costs more time in the long-run. 

Here are some tips for how you can win at the game of life by focusing on the current point you’re playing:

• Identify what’s truly important in the moment.  If your child is sick or your father is in the hospital, you can’t do your best work.  You may still have to be at work, but cut yourself some slack and do some of the more mundane tasks your job requires.  This will allow you to move easily from the task to the family matter without dropping the ball.
• Clear a path to concentration.  This is done in a number of ways.  Make sure your work space is neat and orderly.  This lends itself to enhanced focus.  Close your e-mail so you’re not distracted by the sound of new mail when it arrives.  Make a list of what you have to achieve and tackle one item at a time.  By writing it down you’re not tempted to jump from one task to another because you’re afraid you’ll forget something.  Similarly, if a thought pops into your head while you’re working on a particular task write that down too.  Keep a running list and cross off each accomplishment when completed. 
• Take short breaks.  When I’m writing a book (or even a post for The Thin Pink Line)  I sometimes get stuck and no matter how long I look at the page the words won’t come to me.  Just getting up from my desk for a moment is enough of a shift for my brain to be able to think more clearly about what it is I want to say.  Don’t move from one task to the other with creating “space” to make the transition to focusing on what you want to do next. 
• Develop a mental mantra.  I may have mentioned this in a previous post.  Early in my coaching career I was in a session with a client and while she was talking I kept thinking about everything I had to do when I got back to the office.  Recognizing this was not the way I wanted to serve my clients, I developed the mantra, “There is nothing more important than I be fully present in this moment.”  Now, when I find my mind wandering I silently say this to myself and find it centers me on who or what is before me. 
• Be realistic.  As women, we tend to think everything is of equal importance and has to be completed before we leave the office.  That may have been possible 25 years ago when there were no e-mails, few voice mails, no cell phones, and fewer meetings but it isn’t today.  Technology has caused us to erroneously believe we can work at the same pace as the machines we rely on to achieve our tasks.  Realistically plan your day and set reasonable goals, factoring in time for inevitable interruptions.  Keep that to-do list updated daily.
• Create “white space.”  This is what I call time to disengage from the tasks before you and focus on things that renew your energy.  It may be taking a walk, reading a newspaper, or playing golf.  You not only deserve, but also need that time to replenish your well.  Just thirty minutes a day makes a world of difference. 

I challenge you to do just one of the tips suggested above and see the difference it makes in the quality of your life and work.

TAGS: concentration, focus, multitasking, Wii