What is focus, what does focus mean? There are 2 sides to focus: the quantity of focus and quality of focus. The quantity of focus is our ability to focus on one thing at a time. The opposite to focus is when our inner butterflies get triggered and we start focusing on numerous things at once. Multitasking is also the opposite to focus. Women,you understand multitasking. We do that all the time.
The quality of focus is the thing that you’re focusing on, where you’re putting your focus, time and energy. Be careful here, we can often get caught up focusing on the activity that we’re doing but forget about what outcome we want to achieve by focusing on this activity. Before focusing on any activity you must first start with the end in mind, what do you want to achieve by focusing on this activity and work back from that goal.
The Quantity of Your Focus
The objective here is to build your ability to focus on one thing for a maximum of 50 minutes at a time. You’ll then take a 10 minute break to relax and recover. Eventually the idea is for you to be able to build into your day 4 to 6 of these 50 minute focus chunks each day. This idea comes from Peter Drucker’s book called The Effective Executive. One of the things Peter talks about in this book is that we don’t focus on one thing long enough to achieve great results. We work on something for a little time and then we get distracted; we never build up any momentum. Momentum and longer term results comes from focusing on one thing for a longer period of time. If you don’t have the ability to focus on just one thing for a long period of time you’re never going to get any significant results. If you only focus for 10 minutes that’s not even enough time for your brain to get going.
The Quality of Your Focus
Let’s look at the quality side on what you need to be focusing on. In life we have different things that we might like to call our big opportunities, our big leverage points, the place we can invest and get a lot of return. No one is going to tell you what to focus on; you need to figure this out for yourself. You will know yourself where and when you have the best opportunities to leverage yourself. For example when is your most productive time throughout your day (morning, afternoon, night), when are you most productive at work, at home and with your exercise routine? These are the times when you know you get a big bang for your buck.
Your mind doesn’t know the difference between fact or fiction, it doesn’t understand don’ts, it only understands the literal. If you focus on don’t eat chocolate or don’t get caught up in external distractions (negative phrases) your mind just hears “eat chocolate, get distracted”. Children hear “do that” when you say “Don’t do that”! Use the words “Never do that” instead.
Your mind is your best friend and what it does is look for evidence to back up what you’re thinking because it doesn’t want to let you down. Here’s an activity you can do to understand the power of your mind! I don’t want you to think of a purple pig!!! Now I told you not to think of a purple pig, I know it slipped into your mind even though you told yourself not to think of it!!! You first had to think of it before you could eliminate it from your mind, that’s just how the mind works.
You’ve got to get very clear on the positive outcomes that you want. What does the finished, completed picture look like? When you have a detailed picture of what it looks like finished and you look at it, it gives you more motivation to do the work to get it. If you don’t know where you’re going then you don’t have any motivation to get there.
Not only do you need the strength and ability to focus for longer periods of time, the ability to know what to focus on, you also need the inner motivation to know what the outcome is and to be constantly putting the picture up in front of yourself to remind you why you’re doing it.
ARE YOU GETTING YOUR DESIRED RESULTS? Check your FOCUS….
I would like to hear your comments below. Thanks for stopping by.
Just saw a new post from John Maxwell (whom I respect so much).It is about Change Your Thinking, Change Your Life. An awesome article.Check it out here.
21. September 2010 at 7:12 pm
Love it! I found myself focusing on what the next card was going to say that you were gonna hold up, lol. Nice work Beverly!
22. September 2010 at 12:02 pm
Great Martin!I wanted everyone to FOCUS.Glad you liked it.
21. September 2010 at 7:14 pm
I love it! Stick to the Fun Side of things.. You are Amazing!
22. September 2010 at 12:02 pm
Thanks Melissa.Let’s do an interview soon.I respect you and your talents too.
21. September 2010 at 7:51 pm
Bev,
I love this video it’s awesome!!! You had me hanging on every card. Very clear message and very creative execution.
Super job!!!
22. September 2010 at 12:01 pm
Thanks Chris.I love your videos!I want to copy your talent in the editing department.Thanks for stopping by.
21. September 2010 at 8:36 pm
Without a doubt this is your most engaging video Beverly. I love your message of focus. Success requires that you do multiple things but the missing link for most people is the focused energy for 50 minutes.
I love it!
Thanks for your leadership!
You Rock!
(n Roll!)
Terry
Terry Petrovick recently posted..How to attract High-Quality Facebook MLM Leads
22. September 2010 at 12:01 pm
Thanks Terry.I had fun too.I have had so much positive feedback that I will do more.People should see my fun side.
Beverly
22. September 2010 at 3:39 pm
Loved this Beverly. What a neat idea and I was totally absorbed in what was coming next. Super delivery of a great message!
~Kara
Kara Grabenhorst recently posted..2 Must See Videos To Explode Your Business Using Facebook
25. September 2010 at 2:13 pm
Thanks Kara.Hope to see you in November!
22. September 2010 at 6:28 pm
Beverly,
What a great way to bring your point across – loud and clear. I never know what new idea of technique you will use on your blog. Love it, even the purple pig visual!
LOL
Val
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25. September 2010 at 2:12 pm
Thanks Val.I am working on doing more fun videos because of all the positive feedback.Thanks for always making great comments.
24. September 2010 at 3:43 pm
This is not just a problem with women! I have been struggling this week with focus myself. I started the week with a glorious list of things to do. However, I just cannot seem to get much done this week. I suspect I have failed to properly focus on each task at hand, and have instead been a bit overwhelmed by the list of things to do. But when I set aside this list, and just focus on doing one thing at a time, my list is getting under control.
25. September 2010 at 2:11 pm
Thanks Alexander.Lists are awesome and do help.Thank you for commenting.
24. September 2010 at 9:14 pm
Nice job on the video. You know what really got me was you had a moving target on your video.
That is one of the things that helped me stayed focused in on your message.
What I look to do to stay focused on my daily tasks is I have a list of 5 things I do every day. I make sure to finish each one, no matter what.
After I’m done, then I can lose my focus if I choose.
Have a great day,
Jerome Ratliff
Jerome Ratliff recently posted..5 Rules a Network Marketer Must Live By
25. September 2010 at 2:10 pm
Thanks Jerome. With music playing I can’t help but move.Having that list is a great idea! Thanks for sharing.
25. September 2010 at 5:03 am
I liked it Beverly. Good use of the cards and it was light and fun. Great tips as well. I know for myself staying focused is often hard with so many pressing things all around. Thanks a ton!
Bruce Backman recently posted..Keep Working at Your Game-an example from Dimitar Berbatov
25. September 2010 at 2:09 pm
Thanks Bruce!Focusing can be hard at times especially when on the internet.
27. September 2010 at 7:06 pm
Beverly,
Loved the video…. what a great technique for getting a point across! Focus is so important to success….but so is that 10 minute break in between! For some of us work-aholics, that can actually be the tough part! What I can get done in 10 minutes…. hate to waste it relaxing! LOL But, without the break, I’d be less efficient.
Thanks for the reminder!
Robin
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29. September 2010 at 8:00 pm
Robin, Breaks are good for us.They will help us keep focused when the break is over.
28. September 2010 at 6:26 pm
Hi Beverly,
Soooo true! I’ve recently heard another tip that also helps with focus and ties in with the 50 minutes on / 10 minutes off. Get a simple timer to put to use. I’ve tried it and find that it really does help to set a timer for 50 minutes (and then for the 10 minute break). Since I’ve found that I can focus more intently knowing that the timer will let me know when it’s time to break. Thanks for your post!
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29. September 2010 at 7:59 pm
I agree with the timer.I would use that when I taught to help my children focus better.A great tool for us as adults too. Thanks for the reminder.
29. September 2010 at 4:31 am
Great video. So many good points and all are stuck in my head now. How powerful is that. I am going to be dreaming of purple pigs!
Gary Young- China Sourcing recently posted..Links for 2010-09-24 delicious
29. September 2010 at 7:58 pm
I hope the purple pigs are sweet in your dreams! LOL Thanks for commenting.
29. September 2010 at 8:41 am
hi Beverley – its a bit of an art isn’t it – focusing on the important but not yet urgent when the insignificant trivia just seems so much more appealing!
thanks for sharing
Cheers Kiaran
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29. September 2010 at 7:57 pm
I agree that focusing is an art/skill that we all can learn.
29. September 2010 at 2:35 pm
I love it!! What a great way to get us focusing on the lesson on focus.
Thanks. I plan to share this with my team.
Melodie Kantner recently posted..Are You Thinking About Buying Network Marketing Leads
29. September 2010 at 7:57 pm
I am happy you liked it.I appreciate your comment.
29. September 2010 at 5:47 pm
Wow, I love your video! If we can’t focus, nothing gets accomplished. Focus is a discipline to be learned. And the more you do it, the easier it will get.
Thanks Beverly!
Carol Wickett recently posted..Just Ask
29. September 2010 at 7:56 pm
Thanks for stopping by.Focusing is a learned skill like any others.
30. September 2010 at 4:20 pm
I love your video!!!! I kept focussing on what was coming next all the time! Great idea Beverly!
Cheers
Paola
paola devescovi recently posted..Setting SMART Goals For A Fulfilling Life
30. September 2010 at 5:45 pm
Very cool. I can frequently do the focus part and forget the 10 minute break part. I know this is critical, yet find it hard to disengage. But the break is critical to continuous quality focus. It stirs up creativity among other things. OK – time for a break here!
Richard Goutal recently posted..Internet Marketing Leadership Myths 2 Newbie Leaders Can’t Be Trusted
30. September 2010 at 10:11 pm
Beverly,
Great post on focus. Never thought of breaking it down into quality AND quantity. This is a weak point for me, so I really appreciate the post. Nice job on the video as well.
Thanks so much,
Adam
Dr. Adam Sheck recently posted..Why We’re Triggered In Relationships The Lizard Brain!
14. October 2010 at 7:29 pm
Thank you Adam.Coming from you I appreciate your kind words.
1. October 2010 at 11:23 pm
Hi Beverly!
It has been a while, so I am happy to be back on your site and to soak up all of your great knowledge! FOCUS! Wow! I have amazing powers to focus on all the WRONG things, which is exactly what you are talking about! How did you know? I have had to work hard recently to focus my focus on what is productive for the outcome that I desire.
This is an awesome wake up call for me and I will implement your suggestions!
Fondly,
Mentor Mama
14. October 2010 at 7:28 pm
Thanks Nancy, What a kind thing to say.Focusing is a learned skill.
3. October 2010 at 1:04 am
What a perfect way to demonstrate your lesson here…heard something similar the other night at an event on thoughts…and the big pink elephant. I would love to share this video but have no idea how to do it..is it 100% connected to this blog or have you used it at all on a social media site for video sharing?
rebeccahappy recently posted..Ready For Google MeChris Lang Predicts
14. October 2010 at 7:28 pm
You are welcome to share this video.I also uploaded it to my YouTube channel.I am happy you enjoyed it.
5. October 2010 at 3:02 pm
Beverly,
Well that was a fun and different way to get your message across – great job!
I agree, focus (or a lack of focus) can be a game changer for us in our businesses. So many of us are addicted to multi-tasking, or to trying to do more things than are humanly possible. As a result nothing gets done well. Love your idea of working in 50 minute chunks, focusing on one specific task in each chunk then moving on. This is a solid plan that will yield results.
Thanks for the tip!
Kathy Jodrey recently posted..Susan G Komen Breast Cancer Walk- The Divas- & A Challenge
14. October 2010 at 7:26 pm
It was fun making it too.Mastering this skill will help us all in our businesses.
5. October 2010 at 9:06 pm
Hey,
I LOVE your video idea! It is unique and really engages the viewer. I find that sometimes when I watch video’s I get distracted because it is visually boring, even if the content is well put together. I learned from you video and was also visually stimulated to keep watching.
Thanx for the post as well. I often find myself easily distracted when I’m working. (For example my tv was on in the background. I just turned if off after watching/reading you post) I look forward to reading more on you site.
Bethany
Bethany Lamb recently posted..Oktoberfest – Munich- Germany Video
14. October 2010 at 7:24 pm
Thank you Bethany. I loved making it too.
6. October 2010 at 1:02 am
Beverly, that was a very effective video. Is that what is called video sharing…thanks rebecca
rebecca russell recently posted..TODAY IS NOT TOMORROW!
12. October 2010 at 1:16 am
Love the video (and music). I’ll bet you had a blast shooting it. I definitely was transfixed on the cards. Which with my ADD that’s a miracle LOL! The phrases were excellent. I’m sure that took a while to put those together. I enjoyed them.
Regards,
Mike
Mike Pedersen recently posted..How To Attract Referrals For Your Business
12. October 2010 at 2:19 pm
Beverly great blog post. I have found that when I focus and concentrate on one thing, I start getting subconscious ideas. It does work, like you said, the secret is to stay focused on one thing and not jump around.
13. October 2010 at 7:31 pm
Hi Berverly,
Love the video, that a great way of getting people to stay focused. I know I was through the video. I will have to do what you suggested in this post.
Tristram Lodge
14. October 2010 at 7:24 pm
Thanks Tristram,I love the reaction I have gotten from this video.Focusing is a trait that seems to always need tuning.
14. October 2010 at 6:41 pm
I absolutely loved this post, Beverly! Of course, I had a hard time focusing on it for the duration. <<>> Just kidding!
The idea of focusing on one thing at a time for 50 minutes is an excellent idea. I think the older i get, the more ADD I become, so this will be a great exercise for me and a great place to start. Thanks for a great tool to put into play!
14. October 2010 at 7:22 pm
Thanks Steve,I had fun making it too. I appreciate the comment.
15. October 2010 at 2:11 am
Beverly,
Thanks for the cool insights on focus. Our focus… our thoughts are what can lead us to success, to those things we want in life. We’ve heard about the 50 min. focus segments from another teacher… and it is a great idea.
Thanks,
~ Pat and Lorna
http://TheCoolestCouple.com
15. October 2010 at 11:42 am
Thanks Pat and Lorna.I agree our thoughts can make us or hurt us.I appreciate you taking the time to comment.
15. October 2010 at 5:40 am
Beverly,
What a clever video and making great use on getting your point across. I hadn’t thought of focus in terms of Quality and Quantity before. The moving flash cards surely reinforced your topic. Great job.
Mike Sweeney
Mike Sweeney recently posted..Powerful Steps To Improve Your Article Writing
15. October 2010 at 11:43 am
Glad you liked it Mike.It was so much fun making this video too.I appreciate you stopping by.
15. October 2010 at 4:33 pm
Timely truth, Beverly! And you have used terms I have not heard before! Quite innovative way of driving home the point on Productivity!
Thanks, Bev!
PS:Great to meet you here on your blog! Looking forward to a wonderful connection! Enomfon
Enomfon recently posted..Mothers- Recapture Your Dreams!
15. October 2010 at 7:36 pm
Thank you Enomfon.I am glad you enjoyed it.
16. October 2010 at 12:21 pm
I am glad you liked it.I will do more of these because of the positive feedback.Glad to meet you too.
15. October 2010 at 11:10 pm
Awesome video Beverly. You had me at FOCUS! Definitely something to take note of. A great book I love and highly recommend reading is The Power Of Focus by Jack Canfield. There’s a ton of helpful tips.
I look forward to your next post Beverly!
Juniper Currie recently posted..Top 15 Ways to Build Your Subscriber List
16. October 2010 at 12:20 pm
Thanks Juniper.I love your name! Jack Canfield wrote a good book.Thank you for stopping by.
20. October 2010 at 12:35 am
Thanks Beverly, you always have great content for us to come and read, learn and grow!
Bill Cowan recently posted..Can You Eat Healthy At A Restaurant
20. October 2010 at 1:15 am
It was interesting to find that I was really concentrating on those cards, my focus was sharp. As I get older I find that my multi-tasking skills aren’t as sharp. I need to slow down and Focus more intentionally. I think it would take quite a while for me to accomplish concentrating on one thing for 50 minutes. Don’t know if I even want to try, too busy – LOL.
Jill Caldwell recently posted..Applied Knowledge Focus Success
20. October 2010 at 9:14 pm
Aloha Beverly, that was very creative and entertaining, your video clip. Your message as well on your post. In fact, this reminds me of a call I had yesterday with a friend and we talked for ours mostly on reassuring our focus in life and how we are able to accomplish our dreams and don’t let other distractions disturb our focus. Gosh that was a mind full..Lol
Thanks for sharing! Lanikee.com
PS..come by and share a sweet comment. The benefits are sharing is caring. Mahalo!
Lani kee recently posted..Do Online Commentators Give Backlinks And PR Support
20. October 2010 at 9:48 pm
Focus is truly my biggest challenge. as a mom to three boys and running multi-business ventures, it is very difficult to focus on one task. The only way I succeed is with a schedule and set phone times. I have to stick to it no matter what else nothing gets done at all, never mind well! I have found my mastermind groups absolutely wonderful for accountability and therefore focus!
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23. October 2010 at 12:46 am
Hi Beverly
I really like your video. It took some work to put together and it also shows how creative you are!
I watched “The Networker” last week they used the term “plugged In.” Plan your work and work your plan is what helps me to stay focused. And yet it is something that we really have to work hard on, it’s a skill.
You always amaze me on how focused you are with your work and health!
db (-:
23. October 2010 at 1:44 am
Thanks Debby.This is a skill I work on a lot.
25. October 2010 at 3:29 am
Hey Beverly
This is so creative, I love creative minds!
My mind runs a million miles a minute and I do find at times I lose focus and need to pull it back a minute to work out where I am in order to move forward in the best way possible. I get all caught up in my own ideas and sometimes can’t see the forest for the trees.
I’m a mum with 3 gorgeous daughters so sometimes I find that I need to take a chill pill, if not only for their sake, to make sure I am focusing on them like I should be, to be the best mum I can. That’s my priority
Great post
cheers
Nat
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25. October 2010 at 11:29 am
Thanks Nat.I bet you have a busy life with 3 daughters, especially if they are teenagers. I am glad you liked it.
25. October 2010 at 5:01 pm
What?! You mean there’s no such thing as focused multi-tasking!
Really wonderful post and such a creative video, Beverly. You gave some really great tips here ~ I have always found chunking my day to be very effective. After trying a few ways, I found for me that 90 minutes of focused activity followed by 30 minutes of R&R worked best for me. 10 minutes felt like I couldn’t slow down enough….so with 30, I can go for a run, make a good meal, meditate, call a friend I need to catch up with….my focus on that 30 minutes is to clear my mind and recharge. I think the key is to get in to a routine of focus/ relax throughout the day, and that will definitely help you get the results you desire.
Thanks for bringing so much fun to your message!
Beth Allen recently posted..Are You a Flicker or a Flame
26. October 2010 at 4:22 pm
Great info Beverly i loved the video.
27. October 2010 at 1:24 pm
Thank you Michael.
27. October 2010 at 7:44 am
Hi Beverly,
This is a great post. I love the deep analysis of FOCUS you gave. If we put all these into right consideration, we are sure to achieve all our set goals.
27. October 2010 at 1:25 pm
Glad you like it Victoria.
16. January 2011 at 5:36 pm
Interesting.. At the beginning I didn’t know what to expect when you were not talking but then you just showed how you can get a message across by just using the power of visualization… I really enjoyed it.
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17. January 2011 at 4:56 pm
I had fun doing this video.Glad you enjoyed it and it was helpful.
11. March 2011 at 2:54 am
Hi Beverly,
Great article on focus. That is what I am working right now. I have 3 half-finished products, and I’m focusing on getting ONE done. Gavin Mountford helped me pick one, and when I made a list at what I still needed to get done, I was shocked to see how long it was. It’s nice to have a map and a definite destination for my preschool piano book.
Wishing you a song in your heart,
Miss Leslie @ Music with Miss Leslie.com
Miss Leslie recently posted..Basic Singing Course- Lesson 9- Do
12. March 2011 at 1:23 pm
Thanks Leslie,Gavin is a great mentor and has great advice.Best of luck with your music.Children need music.
5. April 2011 at 4:28 am
Hello Beverly,
Lovely way explaining “focus”. Very clear video. You definitely got my attention.
Most of us find a way to let their vision be their driving force, at least that has been my strength over time. And those who focus on adding value with each act become valuable.
Looking forward following you, and hope to connect more this week, since we work close as a Team in TSA.
Thank you for sharing,
Irene
Irene Kusters Berney recently posted..Why A Network Of Women
5. April 2011 at 11:26 am
Thanks Irene,I look forward to following you too.I had fun doing this video.