Attention Management

One of the principles of Zenployee was "Presence". I think everyone knows and understands how important it is that you are completely present when you are working on a task. However, hardly anyone these days, seems to be fully present during their work day. I'll be the first to admit that even though I am fully aware of the importance of presence and I actively work on my ability to be present when I am working, last week I made an error and the root cause, I was just trying to get something easy done, something I had done 100 times and didn't require real thought but it did require accuracy, with my mind on what I needed to do next. I hadn't given the task my full attention.

From the time we are children, our parents warn us to pay attention. It's almost always good advice.

Our parents told us to:

• Pay attention when we want to cross the street safely
• Pay attention, so we don't put our hand on a hot stove
• Pay attention when we are eating, so we don't make a mess

As an adult, you know you should pay attention. Still, be honest, how many times have you been paying attention to your phone when you should be getting some work done? This is a safe place - you can be honest.

The funny thing is that managing your attention is more powerful now than ever. It seems we have so many tasks that we need to complete, at home, at work, with the kids, and we only have so many hours in the day. So managing and directing our attention towards the important things is of utmost value.

Attention management is exactly what it sounds like; the ability to manage your attention in an increasingly distracting world. While time management is a powerful tool, it becomes almost redundant if you manage your attention. Think about it, would you even need to find extra hours in your week if you were paying attention to the right things in the first place?

We can’t ever create more time, but we can pay more attention.

That's one reason some people, who have found time management underwhelming or even impossible, have more success managing their attention.

In my opinion, the most important aspects of attention management are:

• Prioritizing
• Controlling Distractions (external and internal)
• Being Present in the Moment
• Maximizing Your Focus
• Finding Your Flow

If you can master these five aspects, you will accomplish more and experience higher levels of fulfillment and satisfaction. However, if you're still wondering what attention management means for your life, consider the following:

• You create more leisure time
• You will be working smarter, not harder
• You will be happier and more fulfilled
• Your relationships will improve
• You can live the life you designed

So as you move about this week, remember that directing your attention to the important things will mean you get more done. You don't just get more done, though. One of the best parts of attention management is to begin living the life you designed. You get to choose what you focus on. It isn't a one size fits all scenario. You get to focus on things with meaning and importance to you.

One of the most important benefits is that anyone can do it. You don't need to acquire or pay for anything. You just learn the techniques, and you can use them.

Have a productive week,

George