I read an article by Drs. Srini Pillay and David R. McDuff in the Nov./Dec. 2018 issue of Coach and AD, where they discussed how student-athletes can sharpen their minds by actually intentionally “un-focusing.” I really enjoyed this article and I am going to try to instill some of their tips and reminders into my own life. After all, who couldn’t stand to sharpen their mind a bit? So, I’ll share with you!
The authors point out that no matter how hard we try to concentrate on tasks, our minds do wander. I know mine does and in the past, I have scolded myself when I have found myself off task. However, the authors say that since it’s something that happens we should use it to our advantage and proactively build some brain wandering into our days.
By doing so, they say that when we return to our tasks we will actually be more focused, attentive and creative. It makes sense to me, because I know there are times when I have to get up out of my desk chair and do something different as I am getting frustrated with a project, or simply tired of sitting and it really does start to hinder my productivity.
Specifically, the authors list three ways in which people can help themselves un-focus on purpose. The first is to get some extra rest in the form of a cat nap, or a 15-minute power nap. This can actually add mental clarity and energy to your day. For me, I am actually better at just sitting down for a couple of minutes and making my body relax rather than napping, and I believe it really has helped me sustain through long, demanding days, both physically and mentally.
The second tip the authors talked about is to daydream productively. As I run to work, or while I am walking across campus to a meeting, I totally daydream. It is during this time that I imagine something as grand as winning the lottery.
When I daydream, I think of all things possible. I find myself coming up with dozens of ideas and while many of them might not be feasible at the moment, I put them in my mental parking lot for future possibilities. For me, when good ideas hit me, I either write them down immediately or I jot it down in my ‘notes’ section in my phone. That way, I don’t forget them forever, but I can move on and keep daydreaming and thinking of more good ideas without losing any of them by trying to remember them all. Then, I can grab my list later when I am back to work.
And finally, the authors say it is important to take a hike, which I will expand to walking, running, jogging, meandering, or just moving and getting up periodically from your chair, and even stretching a bit…really anything that helps your body be less constrained can help the physical and mental juices flow. I make sure to get up and move every hour or half hour when possible. I also do other things like take a break from everything and call my parents to say hello every day.
In summary, I believe that too much focus and striving for perfection will not help you get more done. I know it can actually make things worse for me. Former President George H.W. Bush passed away a few days ago and he will be remembered for many great reasons. In an interview he did he was asked what his “legacy” would be. His answer was that this was a question for others to decide, but then he said, “I made some mistakes and we did some good things.” Notice how he said “I” made some mistakes but “we” did some good things. That is a reflection of true leadership, of a person who takes responsibility for his or her mistakes, but always gives credit to the team for success. Coach Wooden said, “It’s amazing how much you can get done when no one cares who gets the credit.”
So as you look to un-focus, understand that above all you are human and you will make mistakes, no matter how hard you try. Everyone makes them. What’s important is to do your best and forget all the rest of it.
Be realistic, allow yourself time to un-focus and have a great day.
Reader Comments(0)