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Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence

Image of Focus

Why did I choose this resource?

This resource was chosen for me to explore the importance of focus and how it benefits in the work place.

What did you learn from it?

I learned the significance of focusing and paying attention to detail. I also learned the different modes of the mind and how the brain operates.

Key Knowledge

  • 3 Types of Focus
  • Inner – intuitions
  • Other – connections with others
  • Outer – connection with the bigger world
  • 2 Main Types of Distraction
  • Sensory – taste, touch, smell, hear, and see
  • Emotional –
  • The bottom-up mind
  • continuously operating at a fast rate, controls every day habitual actions, and requires little energy.
  • The top-down mind
    • uses more energy to learn, problem solve, plan, and offers self awareness and reflection
  • Both parts of the mind are extremely important and can be trained to be used effectively
  • Serendipity
    • the ability to have an open mind and then once a good idea is thought of, the ability to focus and develop the idea.
  • 3 Modes of Focus
    • Orienting – look for and concentrate on inputs
    • Selective Attention – given to one precise creative challenge
    • Open Awareness – let our thoughts move freely to uncover the answer; and then concentrate on the answer
  • Focus is a muscle that needs to be exercised and rested
  • Concentrating on any action will eventually help improve it. Whether it be math problems, weight lifting, or dancing,
  • Basic work out for focusing the mind: concentrate on ONE thing, such as your breathing. Every time your mind wanders off, bring it back again, and again, and again.
  • Negative thinking narrows our focus while positive thinking expands it
  • Mindfulness
    • allows you to reflect on the situation as hand
    • allows you to realize thoughts are only thoughts and you can chose to ignore or act on them
    • fortifies focus and expands memory power
  • Leaders direct focus. Employees will focus more on what they perceive the employer to be concentrating on

How are you using what you learned?

I am using what I learned to pay closer attention while working as well as improve my focusing skills.

Key Changes / Key Actions

  • Perform focusing exercise
  • Perform mindfulness exercises

Source

  • Name : Focus
  • Author : Daniel Goleman
  • Summary.com: Link to Book

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