🧭Master the Art of Focus and Get into a Flow State

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Here’s where we’re headed today:

• Zig Ziglar on focus

• Why your focus matters and what the science says on focus

• The story of Josh Waitzkin (Searching for Bobby Fischer is based on him) and how it can help you reach a flow state

• Daniel Goleman, author of Focus, and others on the importance of focus

Zig Ziglar on Focus

"Lack of direction, not lack of time, is the problem. We all have twenty-four hours in a day."

- Zig Ziglar

Why Your Focus Is Important

What Is Focus? Focus is the unwavering concentration of one's mental and physical energy on a specific task, goal, or objective. It's about ignoring distractions and concentrating your thoughts on what you think matters.

Why Focus Matters: When you're truly focused, you're able to get things done more effectively and clearly because you're not spreading your energy in different directions. Focus matters because it helps you achieve your goals and complete tasks more efficiently.

• Focus enhances your productivity

• Focus improves your mindset

• Focus decreases your stress

• Focus improves your problem-solving

• Focus increases your creativity

• Focus improves your learning

• Focus eliminates distractions

• Focus improves your chances of success

Where your focus goes, your energy will flow. In life, our perception is our reality, and you define every moment of every day by where and what you choose to focus on. You can focus on the positive or negative, but remember that it is always under your power.

What the science says on focus:

1. Multitasking Decreases Productivity: When it comes to doing the work, concentrate on one thing at a time because multitasking will make you less productive, will take longer, and will most likely lead to errors. Various studies, such as the one conducted by the American Psychological Association (APA), have shown that multitasking can reduce productivity by as much as 40%.

2. Focus Improves Performance, Concentration, and Skill Development: When you focus on a particular task consistently, the neural pathways related to that task strengthen, enhancing your proficiency and skill in that area. Research in the field of neuroscience, as popularized by authors like Daniel Goleman in his book "Emotional Intelligence," demonstrates that the brain can adapt and rewire itself through neuroplasticity.

3. The Best Form of Performance Concentration is the Flow State: The concept of "flow," as described by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, is a state of intense focus and immersion in an activity. This state is characterized by optimal challenge and skill balance, where individuals are completely absorbed in their work. Studies have shown that people in a flow state can be up to 500% more productive than when they are not in this state of focused concentration.

The Story of Josh Waitzkin and the Flow State

Joshua Waitzkin is not your average individual. He is the subject of the book and movie, "Searching for Bobby Fischer." He was a chess prodigy, who at the tender age of six, began his journey into the world of competitive chess that led him to become a national chess champion. But that was just his beginning.

As he grew older, Joshua turned his attention to the art of martial combat. His passion for learning, mastering the art of presence and various forms of martial arts led him to compete in Tai Chi. He became a World Champion in Tai Chi Chuan push hands, demonstrating that his ability to excel went beyond the chessboard.

One common thread that ran through both his chess and martial arts journeys was the concept of the flow state, how to get into a flow state, and the art of presence.

What is a flow state? Coined by psychologist Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, the flow state is a mental state in which an individual becomes fully immersed in an activity, to the point of losing track of time and self-awareness. It is a state of deep concentration, with a well-defined goal, a tight feedback loop that allows for constant adjustment, and a difficulty level that pushes one's abilities to the limit without feeling out of control.

In Waitzkin’s book, The Art of Learning, the flow state was more than just a psychological concept; it was the key to unlocking his true potential. He recognized that flow was not exclusive to chess or martial arts but could be harnessed in any aspect of life. He believed that by intentionally creating the right conditions, anyone could consciously experience flow rather than hoping for it to occur naturally.

1. The Power of Presence - Monitor yourself because the measure of presence will reflect your excellence. To perform your best, you need to be fully engaged in the moment, with a heightened awareness of your surroundings and a deep connection to the task at hand. Flow requires a balance of bouts of stress and rest, much like the rhythm of martial arts or the ebb and flow of a chess match. It's not about relentless action, but about knowing when to pause, reflect, and recharge. Rest becomes an integral part of the process, not a hindrance.

2. Searching for the Zone - Peak performance starts when you search and enter “the zone.” Josh Waitzkin learned that incorporating recovery periods was vital for peak performance. This was a concept he encountered across multiple disciplines at a performance psychology center in Orlando. Josh realized that relaxation before critical thinking enhanced the quality of his decision-making. He applied this principle to interval training, practicing the ebb and flow of stress and recovery to drive peak performance.

3. Building your Triggers - How do you go about trigger a flow state? Joshua Waitzkin had a unique approach. He suggested starting by understanding where you naturally find yourself "in the zone." For some, it might be a walk in nature, reading, or playing a sport. To transition into a state of flow, he advised adding a sequence of habits that lead up to it. For example, before that walk in the woods, one could calmly fill a water bottle, take a moment to stretch, and slip on their shoes. These habits would serve as triggers, signaling the brain that it's time to enter the flow state and you can use those triggers any time.

Takeaways:

1. Do you know what gets you into a flow state?

2. How can you create the key components of getting into a flow state?

3. How can you improve your concentration and master the art of being present?

4. How can you implement rest periods to help with reaching a flow state?

The Experts (Daniel Goleman & others) on Focus

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