Can I Have Your Attention Please! -

“Attention is a resource as abundant as sunlight. It streams outward all day long whether we choose to tap into it or not. By developing conscious focus of our attention, we learn to harness one of the greatest creative powers available to humankind, one that happens to be freely available within ourselves at all times.”
― Scott Edmund Miller

Throughout our day many things seek our attention: family, pets, clients, kids, bookwork, the TV, our stomachs, marketing campaigns to finish, social media, the news, and on and on….

Like Mr. Miller said, attention is an abundant resource that we all have unlimited access to – for FREE!

But we often chose to not spend it wisely.

My favorite definition of attention is:

“Taking possession of the mind, in clear and vivid form, of one out of what seems several simultaneously possible objects or trains of thought.” – William James

The overwhelming flood of data rushing in every day, calling for our attention requires our brains to filter it, prioritize it and then focus in on what we determine demands our attention. Or, more often then not, what we WANT to give our attention to.

It seems elementary, my dear Watson, that we can’t see what we don’t give attention to. Yet, all too often we are too quick, or too impulsive, about prioritizing and engaging our attention (or lack thereof), resulting in missed opportunities, overlooked relationships or wisdom we might not otherwise receive.

True attention requires that we postpone judgement and absorb what is being said, or shown, to us. It is about patience, open mindedness, and temporary suspension of our own thoughts and opinions.

“Above all our thoughts should be empty, waiting, not seeking anything, but ready to receive in its naked truth the object that is to penetrate it (our attention).” – Simone Weil

Giving someone or something your full undivided attention allows your mind to expand, increases your creative thoughts and more than triples your productivity or the strengthening of a relationship. There is little else more detrimental to a relationship or project then lack of attention. There is no amount of money, time, advice, counsel, gifts, praise, results, or success that can compete with the value of self-less attention.

Many think that the opposite of attention is distraction – I beg to differ. Distractions can attempt to pull our attention away at times, but true attention has the inherent ability to resist it and stay the course.

Rather, the opposite of attention is inattention. Most often caused by impatience or an egotistical motivation and self-centeredness.

“The simple act of paying positive attention to people has a great deal to do with productivity.” – Tom Peters

So, what are the top 3 things in your business you need to pay attention to today?

Customers and Clients?
Networking Community and Referral Partner Communication?
Marketing Efforts and Strategies?

I encourage you today to start paying attention – wisely. Filter and prioritize the flood of people, tasks and data clamoring for your attention and be determined to intentionally focus in…one thing at a time.

“Whatever we put our attention on will grow stronger in our life.” – Maharishi Mahesh Yogi