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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, explores how focused attention can lead to excellence in various aspects of life. Goleman illustrates the crucial role of emotional and cognitive focus in achieving peak performance, drawing on research and real-life examples.

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

Key takeaways from Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence include understanding the different types of focus, the importance of mindfulness, and how attention shapes behaviors and performance. Goleman emphasizes that developing focus can enhance creativity, problem-solving, and overall success in personal and professional settings.

Is Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence worth reading?

Yes, Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence is definitely worth reading for anyone looking to improve their attention and productivity. Goleman’s insights not only illuminate the mechanics of focus but also provide practical strategies that can be applied to daily life.

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

Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence contains approximately 300 pages and was published in 2013. This engaging read delves deep into the science of attention and its implications for personal and professional development.

How can I apply the concepts from Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence in my life?

To apply concepts from Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence, you can begin by practicing mindfulness techniques and setting clear goals to sharpen your focus. Goleman suggests that regular practice of attention management can significantly enhance your productivity and decision-making skills.