Grind it out. Get more done. Multi-task. All of these sound productive but can actually be counter-productive. Trying to get more done can actually steal our attention. We make mistakes and leave people feeling undervalued. Trying to push for more leaves us with less.
We can get so focused on numbers, deadlines, and sales that we lose sight of what is going on in the moment. By staying focused on one item at a time, we can thoroughly address issues that won’t turn into larger problems later. Giving our full attention to what we are working on or who we are talking to will pay large dividends. Fewer mistakes and interactions that connect rather than just inform increase the ROI of the interaction.
But how do we shut off the pressing needs to be present? First, turn off notifications while interacting. One professional that I worked with informed me that she only checks messages at 8 am, noon and 3 pm. This informs people that an immediate response will not happen but rather a guideline of when to expect a response. Another tool is to set aside 5 minutes prior to starting something new and jot down any pressing thoughts so you can easily come back to them. Set expectations and clearing out thoughts that tend to draw our attention away from the current situation, will calm our minds enough to focus and even enjoy the moment that we are in.
Eleanor Roosevelt is credited with the quote, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, but today is a gift – that’s why it’s called the present.”
Proverbs 27:1
“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.”
