Are we controlling our attention or letting it control us?

By Brian Maynor

 

“My experience is what I agree to attend to.”

That statement rings as true today as it did when William James made it back in 1890 in his book The Principles of Psychology, Vol. 1.

Since our attention directly affects our experiences and our experiences affect our lives, it goes to say our attention impacts our lives.  So if we want to improve our lives we need to control what we pay attention to.

The concept is called ‘attention management,’ which is the practice of controlling daily distractions so that we remain present in the moment with maximum focus.  When we practice attention management we switch from being reactionary to intentional, because we are consciously choosing what we pay attention to instead of being derailed by distractions.

Here are a few tips on how to start or improve our attention management in a world filled with distractions:

1.   Control the external influences.  Two of main external influences on our lives are technology and our environment.

a.  Technology was created to assist us, not control us, but so often we allow the machines our lives control what we do and when we do it.  All ‘push’ notifications are specifically designed to grab our attention from everything else.   Think about it, how many of us drop everything the second we see a notification flash on our phone?  I know I’m guilty of it.  The first step to regaining control over our technology is to turn that feature off.  We may lose those instant notifications, but we regain control over when we check our text messages, email or social media feeds.

b.  Our environment is another huge external influence in our lives, and too often we have little or no boundaries when it comes to controlling it.  If this is something you struggle with, start setting up physical boundaries.  Use headphones or a ‘do not disturb’ sign if you need time to focus or collaborate with colleagues and designate a space where interruptions are not allowed.

2.    Control our internal influences.  Our brains are another source of distraction and influence over our attention.

a.  Controlling our thoughts is probably the hardest internal element to control, because if you’re like me, they can run away with us before we ever realize it.  The trick is to be aware of when our minds begin to wander, so we can guide it back on track quickly.  This is ever so important when we’re trying to focus on one specific task.  It never fails that important things will pop into our brains at inconvenient times.  Instead of stopping to address them right then, jot them down on a notepad so you can go back to them later.

b.  Our behavior is another internal influence we need to control.  This goes hand-in-hand with controlling our thoughts, because not only do we want to stay focused on the task at hand, when we step away from our desks or technology in general, we truly want to leave it behind.  It does not good to leave your desk if you take your phone since you’re simply trading one technology distractor for another.  It’s scary to ‘unplug’ because we’re conditioned to be constantly available and to immediately reply to any prompt, but we can change that norm.  Don’t be afraid to retake control of our response time and availability.

When we start choosing what we pay attention to inevitably we become more productive, but the true benefit is actively creating the life we want to live, instead of one that is dictated to us.  This is our life; to truly enjoy it we need to be fully engaged in it.

 

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

Click here or on the images below to learn more about the outfit.

 

 

 

I am always curious to hear about your weekend wardrobe dilemmas and help make your work wardrobe pull double duty.  Email your questions, quandaries and conundrums to [email protected].  Also find each of these storyboards at http://brianmaynor.polyvore.com with links to purchase each item.

 

About Brian Maynor

Brian Maynor has built a reputation as one of the leading style coaches in the Southeast and is quickly expanding his eponymous company, BRIAN MAYNOR and his FIND, FLATTER & FLAUNT line of image consulting services. A professional with a fresh, upbeat and down-to-earth personality and boundless creative energy, he works frequently with with local celebrities; Fortune 500 companies and nonprofit organizations; modeling agencies; fashion designers; production companies; record labels; media and individuals. A regular contributor to various fashion blogs and online communities, Brian Maynor is one of the most trusted and recognized style experts in the region, utilizing his education and training as a broadcast journalist to serve as a style lecturer, emcee, and commentator for over a decade. He has appeared at fashion shows, expos, and charity fundraisers, as well as events with big brands like Banana Republic, Ann Taylor, Chico’s and Macy’s. His approach is innovative, creative and fashion-forward, balancing fresh, modern styles with classic pieces to keep one’s look grounded. To learn more, visit http://www.brianmaynor.com.

 

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