Focus Your Attention

As one who leads children ages 5 - 8 in half an hour learning sessions on a regular basis, I like to think in terms of 15 second attention spans for that age group. As such, I work to make changes (e.g. clap your hands once, stand up, sit down) as often as possible to keep their attention focused.

I'm not so sure we adults are too much different. Yes, many of us spent hours in the library in college studying in solitude. And yes, most of us have the ability to stay with a project (e.g. creating a presentation, fixing a lawn mower) for hours. However, watch how quickly your brain changes gears in the few seconds you read this blog. Are you tempted to jump to the next thing (e.g. take a bite of food) before allowing your brain to take this in. I know I am. Maybe it is just me; but, do you ever get the impulse to start into the next thing when you are about done with one thing - knowing that you are clear on what you need to do to finish the task at hand?

For example, right now, as I write this blog, I am anxious to go get some lunch. There is food on the counter at our office just sitting out (from a catered lunch). I know if I get up it may take me a few seconds to regain my train of thought on this blog. The temptation is great. I liken it to the 15 second attention span to my 7 year old. Alas, I sit and finish this thought. Food will wait.

Granted, losing only a few seconds of having to get my mind back into the thought process is negligible. Being in the middle ages of my life where the demands on my time from running a small business, from my family, from my involvement in various organizations, and due to the needs of friends, the margin in my schedule is slim. I'll take every few seconds I can get.

You get the point. Discipline yourself to finish the task at hand before starting the next. It will save you time. Maybe even more than a few seconds.