Monday Morning Motivational Message - Concentration

How often do you concentrate on what you are doing?

Concentration means giving your full, undivided attention to the task at hand. It doesn't mean periodically checking your phone, looking at a social media post, or viewing a YouTube video. 

I once heard a story where a student asked a Master what the definition of Zen was.

The Master replied that Zen is eating when you eat, working when you work, and resting when you rest.

"But that seems so simple," said the student. 

"Yes," replied the Master. "But not many people seem to be able to do it."

According to a 12/10/2024 article by Valentine Okoronkwo, titled, Workplace Distraction Statistics That Will Surprise You:

* Most US workers (79%) get distracted within an hour, and nearly 6 in 10 (59%) can’t focus for even 30 minutes without getting sidetracked. 

* Most people struggle to focus both at work (68%) and at home (62%). A significant portion (31%) can only concentrate for 10 minutes or less before getting distracted, and only 3 in 5 can maintain focus for 20 minutes or less.

* The average worker experiences 15 interruptions per hour worked, which means they are getting distracted every four minutes.

* It takes an average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to get back to the task after being distracted.

Given how often we are interrupted from the job at hand, how can we improve our ability to concentrate?

* Music reportedly improves concentration for more than 80% of UK workers.

* Certain foods, like salmon, dark chocolate, green tea, sunflower seeds, and grapes, can improve your ability to concentrate

* A 2015 study found that spending 15 minutes a day for five days on memory games can improve your concentration. Engage in a game of chess, sudoku, or word search to enhance your focus.   

* Exercising, spending time in nature, and getting better rest will improve your contemplation.

* When you feel your concentration waning, taking a short break will allow you to re-engage with more focus.

* Avoid multitasking. Studies have shown that humans aren't very good at multitasking. Focusing your undivided attention on one task at a time will make you much more productive.

*Use a timer. Set a timer for 25 minutes, during which you concentrate on a single assignment. After 25 minutes, take a five-minute break. After working four 25-minute cycles, take a 15-minute break.

When I was growing up, the game show Concentration aired on NBC from 1958 to 1973. It was, for many years, the longest-running game show on NBC. The premise of the game was that two contestants reveal pieces of a puzzle by matching pairs of cash amounts and prizes, aiming to solve the rebus-type puzzle before their opponent. The strategy for winning the game involved a three-pronged approach of memory, timing, and decision-making. 

Just like the game show, being able to concentrate on your tasks involves memory, focus (timing), and decision-making (having good habits).  

Using the strategies and techniques listed above will not only help you achieve better concentration but also enable you to be much more productive.

Please leave a comment about the techniques you use to improve your concentration. Your opinions and perspectives are valuable, and I enjoy hearing from you.