May I Have Your Attention, Please? Five Ways to Retain Focus and Stay in the Moment

Today many of us frequently feel stuck in overdrive - days crammed with too much to do mixed with an unhealthy dose of frequent distractions, all vying for our attention at the same time.  This can cause our minds to be constantly racing which, in turn, can make focusing our attention seem like an impossible task.  Is it any wonder we find it difficult to pay attention for more than ten seconds at a time without a sense of dread that we might miss something? 

When our attention is spread too thin, we run the risk of putting our relationships in peril.  Once others believe you have willingly disregarded their presence, whether intentional or not, your inattentiveness can foster ill-feelings including anger, annoyance or resentment.  Whether you find it difficult to remain attentive with customers, peers, family or yourself, the ability to remain connected without daydreaming is possible.  So how do you stay present and in the moment?  The following are five ways to help keep your head in the game and strengthen your attentiveness skills:

• Practice doing one thing at a timeWhenever possible, do one thing at a time.  Whether it’s your children describing their day or your partner boosting about a big accomplishment, stop what you are doing and focus solely, giving this person your undivided attention.        
• Make contactAs you focus solely on the conversation, make eye contact.  You’ll find it’s difficult to maintain eye contact and multitask at the same time.  Listen with your entire being (mind, body, spirit) and show others you are present and completely focused on the conversation – smile, nod, raise your eyebrows, shrug your shoulders, light up your eyes.
• Slow downMany of us are conditioned to be in a rushed state of mind because we live in a society that demands achievement be attained quickly.  This is precisely the reason many of us find it so difficult to concentrate on one thing at a time.  In the rush of “doing,” the special moments pass us by.  Make a commitment to slow down and focus on the here and now.
• Commit yourself There are conversations we anticipate will progress quickly, and others we know will be time-consuming.  When engaged in conversation, commit yourself to the time necessary to complete the dialogue.  If you find the time allotted is insufficient to conclude the talk, arrange for a mutually beneficial time to complete the discussion. 
• See every interaction as an opportunity to connect Every contact you have with someone presents an opportunity to connect with that person, to learn a bit more about them.  It’s important to remember you can choose to relate with others positively or negatively.  Whenever you come upon someone, always ask yourself this question – “What will I miss if I choose to tune out?”  Listen to your response, and let this guide your actions and your choice. 

The ability to remain in the moment is a matter of personal choice.  Make a commitment and follow these simple steps and you’ll expand your interpersonal skills to new heights of success.