In the age of instant gratification, it has become increasingly difficult to maintain concentration. Whether you're in another marathon meeting or on a critical sales call, it is important to stay engaged. With the temptation of instant messaging, Blackberry, cell phone, the Internet, or even day dreaming; it is more of a challenge than ever to stay focused on the task at hand.
Why are we so distracted? We have become a society that is inundated with interruptions. There are two driving forces that converge to make Americans even more susceptible to a lack of concentration than others. First, we are capitalists. Businesses want to sell you something as often as possible. So, wherever you are, there are advertisements tempting you to open your wallet. Second, we are addicted to technology. Related to our consumer-driven economy is a focus on having the latest and greatest technology. We are intense in our desire to have the coolest gadgets.
This has created an entire generation with an attention span of about 30 seconds. This is how we have been conditioned. Like an athlete training for an important competition, it is possible through repetition to be conditioned to exhibit specific behaviors. With the Internet, TiVO, text messaging, e-mail, and changing billboards; our attention is being divided more than ever. We have acquired an ability and a need to switch rapidly between activities. However, this ability is often counter to what is required to be successful.
The Formula for Focus In the same way, you have been conditioned to switch your attention between tasks rapidly, you can condition yourself to concentrate for increasing periods of time. There are two methods that will increase your ability to concentrate in as little as 15 minutes a day: interval and resistance training.
Interval Training. Step One: Go into a quiet room with no distractions. Step Two: Sit down comfortably in a chair with a back. Close your eyes and place your palms on your thighs. Step Three: Inhale deeply, hold for a couple of seconds, and then exhale. Repeat this action for 2-3 minutes paying special attention to path that your breath takes. Follow it in your mind's eye through your nose or mouth down your through into your lungs, then back out. Focusing on your breathing helps to clear your head. This is also an effective exercise to calm you down when you are nervous as well. Once you have established a clear connection of your mind to your breathing, move onto step Four. Step Four: Breath normally for about 10 minutes keeping your mind clear. At first, it will be very difficult to keep thoughts from overwhelming your attention. This is normal. This is a sign that you are breaking the habit of a short attention span. Over time, you will be able to keep your mind focused on what you want for longer periods of time.
Resistance Training. This method is less formal but just as effective. It is analogous to lifting weights. The more you lift, the stronger you become. Keep this image in your mind as I explain the process. Step One: Engage in a project that will take longer than 15 minutes to complete. Step Two: Set a timer for 15 minutes. Step Three: Work exclusively on this project for the full 15 minutes. You will be tempted to check your phone, your e-mail, get a drink of water, etc. Don't allow yourself to be distracted. If you are, just pick right back up where you are an continue. You can practice this process multiple times during the day. This method works by engaging your ego. By setting a target, you will tap into your desire to win, which will temporarily put off your emotions.
So there you have it, by using these methods, you can improve your ability to concentrate in just 15 minutes a day!
Tiger Woods, Andre Agassi, Dan Jenssen, Christine Aguilera all understand the value of having a good coach. Have a good coach or mentor, can mean the difference between ultimate success and doing well. Is having a good coach that important and how, with 15 minutes a day are you going to make me a better coach. Very simply, read on.
First, know where people need additional guidance and help. This can be as simple as sitting in on a sales call and providing them with support, or simply answering a question that they are unsure about. Just ensure that you have a concrete understanding of what each team player is struggling with. You will need to reach out a bit to learn this information. Perhaps letting them know next Tuesday I would like to ride along on your sales calls-this will give you great insight as to where they might be having problems as well as what they are doing well.
Second, identify one activity you can provide then with on a daily basis that will get them to improve in the area/s you've identified. These tasks can be role plays, simulations, games etc. What you want to do is expose the staff member to multiple experiences where they are required to utilize the information learned. Everyone learns information a little bit differently, thus by giving them multiple experiences you are more than likely to experience success.
An example might be cold calling. If a rep is struggling in this area, perhaps you have them stop in three times weekly and have them role play a cold call with you. Once they've done that successfully then go on to the next task.
Third, use positive affirmations and a pat on the back. Let them know on a weekly basis, "You've really improved on your cold calling techniques" or recognize their efforts in front of the team. A few words can go a long way to continuing to develop the behavior and keep them improving.
Finally, realize your value- someone else did. You became a coach because of your ability to lead, use that ability to achieve greatness both with your team and yourself. Find ways to further your ability to be a good manager and keep yourself motivated. Constantly be looking for better, more efficient alternatives that you make you an even better manager. Coaching will become second nature for you, and so will your succes
Both Bill W. Tyler & Tim are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Bill W. Tyler has sinced written about articles on various topics from Management. Bill Tyler is Co-Founder of Bubble UP! (http://www.bubbleplanner.com) maker of The Bubble Planner, The Left-Handed Planner, My Daily Bubble for Women, and other unique time management tools. He has written several hundred personal development articles.. Bill W. Tyler's top article generates over 110000 views. to your Favourites.
Tim has sinced written about articles on various topics from Fishing, Management and Medicine. Tim Hagen owns Sales Progress LLC, a sales consulting and development firm. He has been instrumental in increasing sales in a variety of organizations across multiple industries. He can be reached at http://www.SalesProgress.com or by calling 262-240-10. Tim's top article generates over 110000 views. to your Favourites.