Concentration…some of my friends even spend crazy amounts of money on supplements such as Alpha-GPC for improving their concentration!
While listening to an episode on ADHD by Rob Dial (aka the Mindset Mentor – give him a search on Spotify – I doubt you’ll be disappointed!) a few weeks ago, I realised just how poor my own concentration span can be at times, in a world where technology encourages a myriad of distractions!
Although this episode focuses primarily on ADHD and how it can actually be a weapon of great success for those who have it (if put to use in the right way), it reminded me of just how hard it is to focus, especially as we grow up, develop and even as we grow old…right?
Our ability to concentrate affects almost every aspect of our lives, not just the quality of our work and therefore output in our jobs but also our personal lives and our leisure pursuits outside of the office.
If we can concentrate on the hard stuff (ie at school, university, work etc), more often than not this will have a positive knock on effect elsewhere, enabling us to better enjoy the ‘fun’ aspects of our lives.
This is backed up by evidence from multiple sources, for example, the Journal of Creative Behaviour published evidence suggesting that people with strong concentration skills are more likely to experience ‘flow’ states during creative activities.
The ‘flow state’ refers to creative flow, and these periods of intense focus allow creatives to produce their best work and derive greater satisfaction from the creative process.
Similarly, in sport, athletes who can maintain concentration during training and competition are better equipped to execute difficult skills, make rapid decisions and adapt to changing game conditions.
Studies in the Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology show that heightened focus enhances athletic performance and enjoyment of sports.
As I am writing this, I can see several people in the cafe around me mindlessly scrolling (probably on Instagram or TikTok!) and it reminds me that improving concentration is a constant work in progress for us all! Time to put down the phone and pick up a book?
…I think so!
Further Reading: Alfred Smith – Classroom Guide: 7 Strategies to Enhance Student Concentration (Acadecraft)