Volume 2, Issue 7
November 12, 2002
Beyond Success Newsletter
Find Your Quiet - Find Your Focus
by Trish Pratt
The dictionary lists focus as both a verb -"To adjust the setting of a lens to produce a clear image", and a noun-- "Adjustment for distinctness or clarity." And so it is that when we are able to turn up our focus we gain clarity. We see what needs to be done and we do it.
When looking to increase our focus we often take more of a reactive approach than a proactive approach to this issue. That is, we look to see how we can control or manage things that are outside ourselves rather than looking to see what internal adjustments we might make. Though both perspectives can be helpful, as is so often the case, the steps we take to support ourselves from an internal perspective can sometimes be the most powerful.
When working with clients on better managing their focus at work, we discuss controlling interruptions, such as phone calls, employees looking for direction, co-workers looking for feedback or conversation, etc. We look to see how the client might better manage their own distractions such as the need to check in on email, their avoidance of low-interest tasks or difficult problems, etc. I support them in creating strategies to address all of these in a way that feels do-able and reasonable to them. They set up their schedule to better reflect their priorities, new or clearer boundaries with others and new guidelines for themselves. For the most part these are changes in response to more external challenges.
To support yourself in looking at focus from a more internal perspective, consider ways to quiet or calm yourself. In her book "Living Your Best Life," Laura Berman Fortgang explains the relationship that quiet has on our focus from the perspective that most of the things we do only require one side of our brain. "Practicing silence yields a higher output of organization, clarity and calm because it causes the two hemispheres of our brain to work together at the same time. The alpha state that this creates allows for the broader scope of awareness and the tapping of our full potential." Though silence isn't always the most comfortable place for some of us, through practice and starting with only short 10 to 15 minute increments can help you to find comfort and more importantly, organization in that space.
This quiet doesn't have to be meditation. You may choose going for a walk, sitting in your office, yoga, relaxing at the kitchen table, etc. But quiet is the requirement. No radio, television, driving, or working at the computer. If 15 minutes feels like too big of a challenge then pare the time down to what you can manage, and build from there. Be patient with yourself. Don't expect this to be an instantly easy routine. You may find it helps to focus on your breathing, or to include prayer or spiritual readings as part of your routine. But building a routine of a few minutes of silence will support you in creating additional clarity and focus in the rest of your day.
Steps to Help You Create Your Stillness and Master Your Focus
- Take steps to prevent interruptions. You are the best judge as to what these need to be: closing the door to your office, turning off the phone, setting limits for yourself as to when you can read your email, agreeing with yourself that you will not answer the phone or door.
- Define your priorities. Get very clear as to what your top priorities are for the hour, day and/or week. List them and then hold to them.
- Schedule your priorities. Make a pact with yourself that you will leave whatever you are doing at the scheduled time and will focus on only the task at hand for the scheduled time.
- Create schedule habits. This may be setting aside certain daily or weekly focus times, only making phone calls at certain times, etc. Start with one small habit and don't add to this until this one has truly become a habit.
- Create silence in your life. If only for a few minutes, set time aside to be still-to be quiet and by yourself. (Not talking, driving, sleeping, nor eating but simply still.)
- Stay in your own life. There will always be others who are doing it better, faster, with more friends, clients, money, etc. Comparing yourself to others will take you into your fears and out of your power. Your strength and answers lie in you.
- Stay in the present. When working, use your calendar, to-do list, post-it notes and alarm clocks to anchor the things you need to remember for the future. Keep a journal, log book, email folders, etc. to store data regarding the past.
- Be patient with yourself. To expect perfection in all areas of your life is unrealistic. Developing habits that work for you can take time but will be worth all of your efforts.
Focus Day
And speaking of focus...
You are invited to participate in a Check-in, Check-it-off, FOCUS Day on November 27th from 1 to 4 pm Eastern.
Consider what you've been avoiding, ignoring, haven't had the time for, etc. Here's an opportunity to bring focus to the task and just "do it."
Put it on the list. Check it off the list.
Start by jotting down something about your business (or life) that needs to be handled. Something you've not done that really needs to get done. Then on November 27th call in at 1, 2, 3 and/or 4 pm and share what you're going to do in the next 55 minutes. Then hang up after everyone has shared and get to work on your items. At the top of the next hour, call back in to let everyone know what you've accomplished. You may call in at any of the times listed, or call in for all 4 times. The final call is at 4 pm, but it is a check-in/reporting call for those who call in at 3pm.
The support of the group and the bookending of the hourly check-ins provides a boost of energy and focus to get things done.
Is there something important that you'd like to get to? -Focus Day is free.
Wishing you success and fulfillment,
- Trish
~~~~~~~~~~<<<<<<<>>>>>>>~~~~~~~~~~~
About Trish
Trish Pratt is a professional certified coach and consultant. She is also a certified PaperRoom coach trained in pattern recognition (see www.momentumcoaching.com/paperroom.html for more details). Trish helps managers and other professionals bring their best clarity, communication and leadership to their work. She does this with one-on-one coaching, training/workshops, and through articles she writes. Contact Trish today for a complimentary consultation at: 978-635-0603 or via email at: trish@momentumcoaching.com.
Subscribe/Unsubscribe
Beyond Success is written and produced by Trish Pratt. Please send any feedback, suggestions or coaching questions to trish@momentumcoaching.com. If you have friends, family, co-workers or neighbors who might be interested in receiving this newsletter, please let us know. Your friendship and referrals are most appreciated!
Anyone can subscribe to the Beyond Success Newsletter, by sending an email
To: Success-request@momentumcoaching.com
Subject: subscribe (To unsubscribe - Subject: unsubscribe)
Thank you for reading this issue of the Momentum Coaching Beyond Success Newsletter. This newsletter is a free email publication from MomentumCoaching.com.
Legal Notice
© 2002 Momentum Coaching, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
"The PaperRoom" is a trademark of Boston Coaching Company. Trish is a certified, licensed PaperRoom coach. Permission is granted to reproduce, copy or distribute this newsletter as long as this copyright notice and full information about contacting the author is attached.