I always strive to create the best piece of writing possible, even though I may not always achieve it. Each piece I work on should surpass the last, pushing me to improve with every word. Yet, I often find it hard to judge my writing objectively. As I embark on each new piece, I wonder if it will be my best work yet or merely another step in my journey as a writer.
The concept behind channeling my thoughts in this manner is to consistently strive for excellence with unwavering attention and profound concentration. To achieve this, I immerse myself completely in the words, gathering my focus to its top.
Likewise, you also share the need to excel in your endeavors, requiring your focus to be at its peak. To underscore the importance of focus, let me share a story from a TEDx talk featuring Christina Bengtsson.
Christina Bengtsson’s Journey to Becoming a World Champion
She said that when she was 23 years old, she felt that she had a kind of capacity, an inner drive, and an energy that she didn’t really know how to handle, and it frustrated her not knowing what to do or where to go in this world. Sarah was completely lost, and the only solution she could think of was to try to become the best in the world at something. She had no idea what this thing was, but she decided to become a world champion.
Christina, a naturally athletic individual, faced a pivotal moment when she discovered her passion. However, doubts crept in when she realized that time was not on her side. Her brother’s well-intentioned words struck a chord: he pointed out that she may be too late to pursue her dream of becoming a world-class sprinter.
Fueled by determination, Christina sought out a sport that suited her age and abilities. She felt a strong pull towards the military arena, seeing it as an avenue to channel her energy and passion. From the outset of her training, she dedicated countless hours to refining her skills on the shooting range, immersing herself completely in the pursuit of excellence.
Night after night, Christina slept on the range, the scent of lead and solitude etching itself into her memory. Her perseverance and tireless dedication were evident in every moment she spent training, even as she took meals amidst the echoing shots.
Christina traveled extensively, competing across the country for three years. Despite her efforts, victory eluded her, leaving her without recognition or reward. Faced with repeated defeat, she questioned the challenges she encountered, grappling with the difficulty of her journey. However, her unwavering perseverance fueled her determination as she stood at the World Championship, aiming at the target.
She pondered the barriers that obstructed her path to realizing her dream. Was it the physics, the technique, the ability to relax, or perhaps the control of her breathing?
In the autumn of 2005, Christina found herself at the peak of her journey, competing in the Military World Championship in shooting. With one shot remaining in the final round, she stood poised for victory. The target loomed 50 meters away, with the coveted 10 marked at a mere 10.4 millimeters.
As she prepared to take her shot, a storm of thoughts flooded her mind. What determined whether she would hit a nine or a perfect 10?
The Power of Focus: How Concentration Leads to Success
In a moment of clarity, Christina’s attention fixated on a lone leaf. Fully immersed in its presence, she experienced an unexpected wave of calmness. As distractions faded away, she focused intently on the present moment. With a composed mind and unwavering focus, Christina took aim and unleashed her shot, securing the title of world champion.
The leaf helps her to kill the unwelcome thoughts. The Very Well Mind website highlights the benefits of living in the moment.
“This notion of being present is also essential for recapturing your mental focus. Staying engaged in the here and now keeps your attention sharp and your mental resources honed in on the details that really matter at a specific point in time.”
Christina noticed that focus was what she was missing to be a world champion in shooting, and the chatter of her mind was the main distractor standing in between her and getting her prize. While this topic has taken my full attention at a stage in my journey, I read a book by Daniel Goleman, “Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence,” and I brought you this piece from the book. Daniel says in his book:
“It’s not the chatter of people around us that is the most powerful distractor, but rather the chatter of our own minds. Utter concentration demands these inner voices be stilled. Start to subtract sevens successively from 100 and, if you keep your focus on the task, your chatter zone goes quiet.”
Mindfulness Techniques to Enhance Your Concentration
As I mentioned earlier, concentration has played a pivotal role in my journey. Seeking to deepen my understanding of my ability to concentrate, I explored my habits and discovered the power of regular deep breathing exercises. These exercises not only strengthen mental focus but also alleviate stress and anxiety, as highlighted in Harvard’s article on relaxation techniques.
“Breath focus helps you concentrate on slow, deep breathing and aids you in disengaging from distracting thoughts and sensations. It’s especially helpful if you tend to hold in your stomach.”
While you and I may not be athletes like Christina, cultivating focus can significantly enhance our daily tasks, making them smoother and more efficient. Therefore, I’d like to share one more transformative habit that helped me achieve a high level of focus.
Avoiding Multitasking: A Key to Productivity and Focus
It all begins with avoiding multitasking. I used to set my phone aside while dealing with my daily tasks or while enjoying a peaceful moment with a cup of coffee on my balcony. This small yet impactful practice slowly integrated into my work routine, diminishing distractions and boosting my focus. Christina’s narrative aligns with these methods, emphasizing the importance of living in the present moment, which helps clear our minds from distractions.
“While multitasking may seem like a great way to get a lot done quickly, it turns out that people are actually rather bad at it. Juggling multiple tasks at once can dramatically cut down on productivity and makes it much harder to hone in on the details that are truly important.”
Building Habits for Better Concentration and Reduced Stress
Last but not least, if you encounter difficulties with focus and aspire to excel in your endeavors with full concentration, consider altering habits that induce stress and detract from focus in your daily routine. Incorporating breathing exercises and reducing the frequency of checking your phone can significantly diminish stress levels and empower you to direct your thoughts effectively.
