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
