How to train attention according to Daniel Goleman

To train attention according to Daniel Goleman we must focus on two dimensions that we could identify as the internal and the external.. In a world so full of stimuli, pressures and demands, it indicates that we are neglecting that inner universe in which our feelings, fears and needs are. Likewise, perhaps we are also forgetting to pay attention to those most important aspects of our environment.

Focus, attend, connect, discern, center, pay attention... All these processes are basic in our daily lives to get the most out of our reality. Let’s think about it for a moment. Dimensions such as stress, anxiety or depression are states in which our vision becomes cloudy, thus confusing the details with the superfluous.

When the brain keeps our senses alert, pending a thousand stimuli, while he deals with a thousand thoughts, sensations, emotions and concerns, the world becomes chaotic. No one can be productive in such an environment; Furthermore, no one will be happy in a saturated microuniverse where not even a beam of light fits.

Daniel Goleman wrote focus in 2013 with this same purpose: teach us to train attention to get out of that labyrinth of chaos and suffering. In a world characterized by distraction, we are forced to refocus our gaze, to stay still and notice what is truly worth it.

Keys to training attention according to Daniel Goleman

To train attention according to Daniel Goleman we must identify an important point. The attentionlike most of our basic psychological processes, It’s like a muscle: it benefits from training.

If we exercise it daily with will and determination, we will gain well-being. The key therefore is to be aware of that need. We say this because of a very striking fact that is occurring frequently.

Our electronic devices are equipped with greater “intelligence” every day. Our cell phones and computers are little by little replacing many of those processes that we previously did by ourselves mentally..

We are so subject to these supports that our attention is almost exclusively linked to them and not to those scenarios that Daniel Goleman defines as the most important: our interior and our most significant social context.

Little by little, by neglecting these spheres but by “infecting” ourselves with so much stimulation, information, pressure and data, we end up exhausted (infoxicated).. What is known as “cognitive overexertion” occurs. It is something similar to when we exert ourselves physically, we cannot give more of ourselves and we weaken.

Likewise, this exhaustion makes us more vulnerable to multiple adverse states: stress, anxiety… Let’s see what practices or strategies can help us train attention.

Taking possession of your mind

William James is one of the most notable figures in the history of modern psychology. . At the time he defined attention in a way that was as accurate as it was inspiring: It is the taking possession by the mind in a clear and vivid way of one of several simultaneously possible objects or chains of thoughts.

Attention is a tool of power. It is putting your gaze, will and concentration on a specific point. At the same time, for this takeover, we need our emotions to be in harmony, in adequate calm.By understanding the anatomy of attention it will be easier for us to improve it.

The recipe for self-control

Training attention goes through the practice of self-control. We have so many stimuli around us and so many ideas, thoughts and sensations inside us, that the mind little by little becomes more erratic, less focused.

Studies, such as the one carried out at the Pennsylvania State University (United States) by Dr. Heather A. Wadlinger, reveal that attention is directly related to emotions and, therefore, by taking care of the first dimension we will improve the second. However, how to do it?

The recipe for self-control to train attention and regulate emotions, According to Daniel Goleman, it goes through Mindfulness or Full Attention. So, in his book The art of meditationteaches us how to do it and the benefits we obtain from the ancient exercise of meditation.

Interior connection and exterior connection

Those who walk through their daily lives disconnected from their internal reality end up losing themselves, sooner or later. Those who stop connecting with who really matters and with what is truly valuable in their environment lose quality of life and happiness.

We must be able to listen to each other, not to leave for tomorrow what hurts, bothers or worries today.Likewise, it is vital that we become fully aware of ourselves at every moment, aware of what we need, what we deserve, what is happening inside us. On the other hand, an aspect that Daniel Goleman points out how essential to train attention is to take care of our empathy. With it we manage to connect better with others. With it we discover what is important in us and also in those around us.

Do you do what you like?

Do you like what you do on a daily basis? This is one of the questions that Daniel Goleman asks us in his book Focus. Something that the famous author of Emotional Intelligence is that people spend much of our time bored or stressed.

The simple fact of not finding meaning or purpose in our lives causes our attention to weaken.. There is nothing motivating, there are no stimuli and that brightness in everyday life that pushes us to be more creative, to focus our gaze on what interests us loses verve and strength.

Sometimes we have to give in to reality and discard the idea of ​​imposing our preferences. You are not always lucky enough to have an exciting job or a routine full of great stimuli. Now, it is best that there is a balance. We must have purposes, hobbies that we are passionate about, people that give energy and joy to our lives.

Purposes help us focus our attention. Likewise, an emotional state that is favorable to us also favors better management of attentional resources. These are undoubtedly small aspects that we must reflect on to improve our quality of life. Let’s do it, train our attention, being careful not to lose enthusiasm for what we are and have.

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