Mastering The Art of Concentration

Concentration is an art. It is an art that leads to a more fulfilling life, more meaningful relationships and heightened self-confidence.

Conversely, lack of concentration will generate a less lucrative, less opportunistic and more stressful life. On an overarching basis, it’s best to think of lack of focus as a temporary, surmountable handicap. To overcome any handicap, all that is necessary to do is use more determination and grit and will. Gaining heightened focus is no different; it is a conscious choice that takes work, though rewards those who successfully obtain it.

Because heightened focus carries a plethora of benefits, it is of the utmost value to learn how to concentrate. Therefore, our management recruiters suggest becoming familiarized with what prevents and promotes full engagement in the activities we set out to accomplish.

Persistent Interruptions Affect Intelligence

Research carried out in 2005 by psychologist Dr. Glenn Wilson found that persistent interruptions and distractions in the office carried a profoundly negative effect on our ability to be productive.

The study found that excessive use of emails, social media, text messages and online videos scrambled our brain to the tune of losing 10 IQ points. This is twice the amount of marijuana.

It is most effective for business professionals to carve out a few hours a day and get away from the computer (or at least the Internet), turn off the phone and engage in focused thinking.

Moreover, the timeout from online activities will allow the thinker to more effectively filter out information impertinent to the task at hand.

5 Concentration Exercises

Everyday, we have the ability to increase our focus. You simply have to know where to look and what to do. While the exercises may seem easy, they are significant and promote healthy focus and heightened productivity.

1. Practice inhaling long, deep breaths. Slow, deep, prolonged exhales steady your blood flow and mitigates major nerves which promotes concentration. If you feel yourself getting angry, irritated, nervous or depressed, stand squarely on your feet with your chest up and inhale deeply. This exercise will lessen irritability and promote focused thinking.

2. Listening. It is much easier to talk then listen. However, there is no better exercise for concentration than paying close attention to others while conversing. It also allows you to take in the other person’s vocal tone, ticks and body language which will benefit you when attempting to persuade.

3. Develop mental energy through engaging your body. When you learn to control the body, you can control your mind. Since energy is a key component of focus, increasing your heart rate on the treadmill for half an hour ought to prove exceedingly useful. Moreover, static exercises such as holding yoga poses is a key component to increasing your focus levels.

4. If you hold your mind on some chosen object, you centralize your attention. Therefore, always hold your mind on what you are doing, no matter what it is. Whether interviewing, selling a product, talking with your boss or encouraging a subordinate to live up to his potential, you must do everything in your power to concentrate.

5. Gain the good will of others by showing others respect, maintaining your integrity and being appreciative of their companionship. When we get along with others via maintaining healthy relationships, there is less friction in our lives and, thus more room to focus on tasks that promote our overarching goals.

In the End

Focus on one thing at a time and do that activity to the best of your abilities and see it to completion. Ultimately, it will lead to a better life.

About

Ken Sundheim is the CEO of KAS Placement an executive search firm specializing in sales and marketing recruiting.