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Focus

summary ofFocusBook by Daniel Goleman, PhD

14 min
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You’ll learn

  • How to keep your focus active
  • How to pay attention to other people’s emotional signals
  • Ways to practice self-awareness
  • Tips to becoming a successful leader

first KEY POINT

In your quest for success, you might lose many things, but you must never lose your focus

Life is an endless game of distractions falling over themselves to attract you, and what you allow into your space grows. If not careful, many distractions may influence the important tasks you have to do, making your work sloppy and full of mistakes.

How well you pay attention determines your success at a certain task.

In a world suffering from attention deficit, learning to focus on your tasks will certainly make a difference for you — it just might be the difference between victory and defeat. Once you can channel your energy into doing the things that will bring you success, you move closer to achieving your dreams.

This summary identifies all the mistakes you keep making, debunks the many myths about focus, and offers tips on increasing your attention span while working toward your life’s goals. Stay tuned to discover why focus can be the one reason you break all the barriers you never knew existed.

second KEY POINT

The world is full of distractions, and the only way to thrive is to ignore them

The science of attention has found more importance as the years go by; there are more texts to reply to, more calls to return, and more games to win. Poor attention skills produce poor results because the less attention you pay to the important things, the more distracted you are. Like a muscle, you should train your attention regularly, or it will deteriorate.Some basic mental operations that are involved when you pay attention are:• Comprehension
• Memory
• Learning
• Reading emotions
• Smooth interactionAttention is an underrated asset in navigating through life. And a well-lived life demands the proper use of three kinds of focus:• Inner focus: adjusts to instincts and influences beliefs and actions
• Other focus: facilitates relationships
• Outer focus: helps you cope with the larger worldWhen you find a balance, you'll gain more satisfaction from life.

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first KEY POINT

A good way to keep your attention flow active is to switch up routines and do the things you love

second KEY POINT

The difference between success and failure lies in your ability to control your wandering mind

third KEY POINT

All the things you do not know about yourself are the reasons you are not where you want to be

fourth KEY POINT

In life's journey, you need other people, and they need to know that you understand them

fifth KEY POINT

Old tricks do not produce new results; you need to figure out what you're doing wrong and fix it

sixth KEY POINT

Successful leadership requires that you expand your horizons and go the extra mile

seventh KEY POINT

Conclusion

About the author

David Goleman is a psychologist, lecturer, and former New York Times journalist. His main field of research is the human brain and behavioral sciences.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence about?

Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence, authored by Daniel Goleman, delves into the science of attention and how it impacts our success. Goleman explores various types of focus, emphasizing that honing our attention is crucial for both personal and professional excellence.

Is Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence worth reading?

Yes, Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence is definitely worth reading for anyone interested in improving their concentration and productivity. Goleman's insights into the mechanics of attention provide valuable strategies that can enhance performance in any field.

What are the key takeaways from Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence?

Key takeaways from Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence include the importance of emotional intelligence in fostering effective focus and the need for mindful attention management. Goleman highlights that understanding and improving our focus can lead to greater achievements and satisfaction in both personal and professional realms.

How many pages is Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence and when was it published?

Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence spans approximately 304 pages and was published in 2013. This engaging book combines research and practical advice to help readers enhance their focus and achieve greater excellence.

How does Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence apply to everyday life?

Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence applies to everyday life by teaching readers how to manage their attention more effectively. Goleman offers practical techniques to enhance focus in both personal endeavors and workplace productivity, making it a valuable resource for enhancing overall quality of life.