What is the Biggest Saboteur to Paying Attention?
In our constant busyness, we attempt to multitask between activities we believe we can manage simultaneously. Here are just a few examples we might admit to:
- Driving and texting
- Watching children at play while in conversation with others
- Toggling between two (or three) important work assignments
- Cooking dinner while attempting to listen to family or friends
- Participating in a zoom call while checking social media
What could possibly go wrong?! Well, at minimum, we likely won’t recall an important detail we need to remember. Or we will skip an ingredient in a recipe. Or we are guilty as charged when we are told: “You didn’t even hear what I said!”
At worst, a catastrophe can happen. We can cause an accident, miss seeing a child being injured, start a fire, send an incorrect or incomplete work message, or miss when our name is called during a meeting.
The way to pay attention is to avoid undertaking more than one task at a time. If you can claim you are 100% present in the moment, there’s a good chance you aren’t multitasking. As Diane Sawyer observes, we learn the hard way that when we juggle, it often results in poorer outcomes. When she says there is no substitute for paying attention, she is speaking from her own experience in being disappointed with wat happened when she failed to give full attention.
What’s so wrong with multitasking?
I used to think I was great at multitasking and frankly loved gaming the system. Until…until…until I mistakenly texted the wrong person, didn’t hit “send” on an email in my inbox, or forgot what I was working on before I switched to another task. My results weren’t so stellar. Lost time. Missed deadlines. Diminished productivity.
Psychologists tell us that doing more than one task at a time – particularly complex ones – takes a toll on productivity. Turns out our minds and our brains are just not designed for heavy duty multitasking.
Four failproof techniques for paying attention
Every one of us has been in situations where we aren’t giving our full attention. We could be tired, stressed, confused, upset, or just disinterested.
Here are four ways to overcome those challenges:
- Be in a state of readiness. Said another way, remove all the distractions to allow yourself to concentrate on the person, task, or situation where paying attention is required. That’s not everything, every day. You know what and when it matters for you.
- Determine what tools you need to succeed. For example, when I need to pay attention, I work most efficiently if there isn’t distracting noise. I say no to television in the background. I seek out quiet places for conversation. I make sure I have a notepad ready to record notes during a zoom call. Decide what works well for you to stay engaged.
- Block out the time you need. If you must switch between several tasks, try to give them each the appropriate designated time. Allowing one task to be completed before beginning another is ideal. When you can’t, at least try to reduce how many times you shift back and forth from one to another.
- Really listen. It’s easy to check out when someone else is talking if you aren’t keenly heeding what’s being said. Active listening is just that: it takes energy, concentration, and commitment. You know when others are listening to you by their body language. If their eyes are fixed on you as you are talking, there’s a good chance you’re being heard. And they know when you are listening too!
Why paying attention should matter to you
The best reason to pay attention is to allow yourself the opportunity to build authentic connections. Without giving undivided attention to your family, your workplace, and yes, to yourself, they and you will never feel fully nourished. When you are distracted, your sense of attachment and fulfillment is interrupted. Give yourself the possibility to care at the highest level about the people and the responsibilities in your life. You’ll never be sorry.
Tell me your strategies for paying attention. I’d love to know what lessons you’ve learned. Share them with me at Ann@AnnLouden.com.
A seasoned executive in the nonprofit world, Ann Louden is the founder and CEO of Ann Louden Strategy and Consulting. Recognized for her expertise in fund raising, high profile special events, and campaign planning, Ann provides counsel to chief executives, staff, and volunteer leadership.
Ann’s primary interest areas are education, health care for women and children, the arts, and adoption. As a cancer survivor, she led and was the twelve-year spokesperson for a breast cancer advocacy initiative that engaged thousands of survivors, volunteers and medical providers. With a mantra of bringing big ideas to life, Ann focuses on identifying a compelling vision and creating a goals-oriented plan for execution.
An in-demand national speaker for the Council for Advancement and Support of Education, Ann is the recipient of the Steuben Excellence in Teaching Award and has been named as a CASE Laureate. She is the author of the upcoming book: From Social Courage to Connection: Lessons from Leaders Who Change and Save Lives.
You can find her at www.AnnLouden.com.
