Let’s get real. You’re sitting at your desk, staring at a screen, trying to “focus.”
But your mind is everywhere—emails, deadlines, that awkward conversation from yesterday. You’ve tried apps, timers, even caffeine. But focus? It feels like chasing smoke.
Here’s the truth: Focus isn’t about narrowing your mind. It’s about expanding your attention.
The Myth of “Laser Focus”
We’ve been sold a lie: “Focus means blocking out everything else.”
But here’s the irony: The harder you try to focus, the more you miss.
- You zero in on one task, but miss the big picture.
- You hyper-fixate on a goal, but overlook opportunities.
- You strain to concentrate, but burn out faster.
Focus isn’t a spotlight. It’s a floodlight.
Yogic Secret: Attention Over Focus
In ancient yogic traditions, there’s a concept called Dashavadanis—doing ten things at once with perfect clarity.
- Attention: A broad, open awareness of everything around you.
- Focus: A narrow, intense beam on one thing.
The key? Cultivate attention first. Focus will follow.
Why Attention is Your Superpower
Think about it:
- Entrepreneurs: They spot opportunities others miss because their attention is wide, not narrow.
- Leaders: They see trends before others because they’re attuned to subtle shifts.
- Artists: They create masterpieces because they notice details others ignore.
Attention isn’t just about seeing. It’s about seeing more.
The Problem with Discrimination
We’ve trained our minds to judge:
- “This is important. That’s not.”
- “This is useful. That’s a waste.”
- “This is good. That’s bad.”
But judgment narrows your vision. Attention thrives on openness.
How to Cultivate Attention
- Stop Judging: Notice everything without labeling it.
- Expand Awareness: Pay attention to the mundane—the ant on the ground, the sound of the wind.
- Practice Stillness: Sit quietly. Let your mind become a mirror, reflecting reality without distortion.
Attention isn’t a skill. It’s a state of being.
See the World Anew
Today, try this:
- Pause: Stop multitasking. Sit still for a moment.
- Observe: Notice everything around you—sights, sounds, sensations.
- Engage: Let your attention flow naturally. Don’t force it.
Remember: The world isn’t a puzzle to solve. It’s a canvas to observe.
The next time you feel scattered, don’t chase focus. Expand your attention—and watch clarity emerge.