Training Your Attention

There are different methods that allow people to train their attention. While some of the methods may seem counterintuitive to attention management, there are great benefits to practicing them. Visualization may seem like a waste of time that should be focused on work, but it is not. Each person is different, and it is important to find a method or combination of methods that work best for you.

Meditation

There are different types of meditation, but most are used to relax the body and calm or focus the mind. Common meditations include Mantra Meditation, Steady Gaze Meditation, Transcendental Meditation, and Chakra Meditation. 

· Mantra Meditation repeats sounds or words.

· Steady Gaze Meditation involves visually focusing on an object.

· Transcendental Meditation is done sitting with eyes closed.

· Chakra Meditation uses focused breathing and mantra to explore the chakras.

Each person needs to discover their personal meditation style. For example, some people find mantras distracting and prefer steady gaze. Transcendental Meditation is the most popular in a business setting. Beginners, regardless of the style they choose, often benefit from guided meditation with an instructor.

Focus Execute

Attention management requires people to focus and execute. Failure is often caused by a fear of success. When the mind focuses on potential negative outcomes, it is impossible to execute a plan well. Rather than focusing on the potential failures, people need to concentrate on the benefits of a successful plan. Remaining positive will allow people to focus on their goals and execute their actions accordingly.

Visualization

Visualization is a habit of creating a mental picture of a goal and believing that it will happen. Successful people in every field use visualization techniques .Visualizing a goal allows the mind to accept it as a concrete possibility rather than a vague wish.

Steps:

· Choose a goal: Visualization needs to be specific. Pick an individual goal to visualize. It is easier to start small.

· Relax: Find a time and place to relax and focus on visualization techniques.

· Visualize: Picture the goal in detail. Visualize it happening in the present.

· Accept: Believe that the goal will be attained. Affirmations are useful tools to bring acceptance.

 Until next time ...

 

Sheryl Tuchman, SPHR, SHRM-SCP