Few would doubt that the ability to focus our attention on the task at hand can be a valuable asset. Fewer still have not heard the saying that practice makes perfect. However, the correct saying is perfect practice makes perfect, because practicing something the wrong way doesn’t make you better, it’s just a waste of time.
So it makes sense that we can improve our ability to focus by practicing it correctly. Conversely, it is logical that our ability to focus can become weaker, just like a muscle, due to lack of use.
If the ability to focus is such an asset, why wouldn’t we practice it? One reason is it usually involves solitude and as Pascal said, “All of humanity's problems stem from man's inability to sit quietly in a room, alone.”
There are many culprits conspiring against solitude, but certainly one of them is technology, and it distractive quality seems to be somewhat of a recent phenomenon. Were the abacus and slide rule really distractions? The radio and television were more so, but the internet and smart phones are the killer distractions. They have led to the multitasking delusion.
Multitasking is really just anti-focus, because the human brain cannot focus on two topics simultaneously. I read an article where the author said that multitasking actually impairs your ability to think, because thinking involves concentrating on one thing long enough to develop an idea about it.
Of course here I’m referring to the type of thinking we need to do to problem solve, not about what we’re going to have for dinner this evening.
I was asked to lunch by a professional I recently met because he felt that we might be able to refer business to each other. Upon being seated, he immediately placed his phone on the table and never went much longer than a minute without looking at it.
While we weren’t discussing string theory, we were talking about technical topics, trying to get a feel for each other’s practices, so at least a modicum of attention was required. It was obvious that he wasn’t focused on our conversation when he looked up from his phone and said “I’m sorry, could you repeat that?”
Aside from being, in my mind, extremely rude, his behavior ruled out the idea of us working together. How could I be sure that he wouldn’t treat my clients the same way? And by the way, this wasn’t a person in his twenties (not that that would excuse the behavior, but it would make it more understandable); he was in his mid-forties.
So how do we increase our ability to focus? Well, a good starting point is to limit our distractions. This might include scheduling a time to answer emails and setting a time limit to be online, so that you’re forced to get your information before the time expires. Controlling your phone, instead of allowing it to control you, can be a huge boost. And I find sitting alone, with nothing but my thoughts, works wonders.