The more focused you are, the faster and higher you will rise in the ranks at work. This was the conclusion of a study which Potential Project did with 35,000 managers and leaders across the globe. Other studies have found that high levels of focus make you feel more balanced and productive and be perceived as a better leader. The message is clear: to be successful and happy, focus and deep work are key.

But there is a problem.           

Neuroscientists have found that our brains are wired to be distracted. This quality served us well when alertness to the approach of a dangerous animal was critical, but distractibility does not cut it when our boss is approaching. And today’s relentless stream of external distractions exacerbates the situation, consistently eroding any ability to focus. In fact, our research has found that on average, close to half of individuals (42%) fail to focus on their tasks throughout the workday.

The good news, however, is that these numbers aren’t static or immutable. The truth is more layered than a simple assessment of “are you focused or not?” Patterns of focus vary tremendously throughout the day and over the course of a work week. Take a look at the image below. For many of us, we are most focused in the morning, but then quickly slide into a valley of distractibility which lasts the majority of our key working hours. Only towards the end of the workday does our focus begin to recover. And by then, it’s too late.

Source: Potential Project

There are some effective methods to encourage you in going to deep work.

Sleep and Mindfulness: Focus Enablers for Deep Work

Many variables can affect a person’s level and quality of focus. Our study with the global professional services firm focused on two major variables – sleep and mindfulness.

Sleep

 Good sleep buffers some of the negative effects of work stress and translates into consistently higher focus. In our study, more people got good sleep at the start of the week, but then the amount and quality of the sleep began to decline by Wednesday night. Those who managed to keep a healthy sleep routine throughout the week, especially on Thursday night, were 15% more focused and 12% better able to manage stress.

Source: Potential Project 

Mindfulness

In addition, having a mindfulness practice contributes to more focus and less stress throughout the day and week – even more so than sleeping well. See the image below. In our study, people who frequently practice mindfulness were 22% more focused and 23% better able to manage their stress. The non-mindful employees often found themselves in the valley of distractibility in the middle of a workday, but not so for the more mindful colleagues. These individuals, as a result of a regular mind training practice, were able to pull themselves out of this midday dip and continue on towards peak performance.

Source: Potential Project

Your mind at work from Monday to Friday, 9 to 5

We shouldn’t be surprised by the findings from this study. Our minds are constantly in flux while at work. Minute to minute. Hour to hour. Day to day. How do we make sense of it all? What’s the best way to find that elusive state of deep work? This is a tricky endeavor in normal times, let alone in the midst of a pandemic, and the resulting global economic shutdown and looming mental health crisis we’re all facing.

The best place to begin is with an understanding of how your own mind works. For example, do you know the answers to these questions?

·      What parts of the day bring the highest levels of focus, energy, and productivity for you?

·      When is your mind wandering away into worry and stress? What are the triggers for you?

·      How does sleep affect your mood, and your response to challenging moments?

·      Do you feel comforted and more resilient with alone time or time with others?

·      Are you making the right decisions at work based on your personality?

Focus may seem like an elusive goal, or something transitory that can only be celebrated when it appears and bemoaned when it vanishes suddenly. In reality, the ability to focus is much more in our control than it seems. Our distracted minds can be directed. Doing so starts by understanding where our minds go (and why) so that we can chart the course and set the sails towards our chosen destination. Ready to start the journey of self-discovery and see inside your mind?

Nguồn: Forbes