Practice Radical Attention
Key Points:
1. Radical attention is the ability to stay deeply focused with sustained concentration - an important tool to manage stress and perform at a higher level.
2. In order to perform at a high level, we have to alternate between periods of radical attention with periods of rest to recharge our bodies and our minds.
3. A simple formula to remember is: stress + rest = growth. Without adequate rest, we are neglecting a critical piece of the equation.
“If we were to forgo our television addiction for just one year, the world would have over a trillion hours of cognitive surplus to commit to shared projects.”
Do you know people with exceptional focus? People who have a mind-blowing ability to control their attention so they can stay with an issue or problem long enough to see solutions and possibilities that others can’t? I call this rare quality radical attention—basically, deep and sustained concentration.
The ability to control your attention, concentrate, and focus deeply is a powerful tool for managing stress, directing your mind, taking care of yourself, accomplishing more of what is important, and reaching your dreams. It helps you to think clearly at work, at home, and while pursuing your passions.
In order to gain focus, you first have to protect your attention. You also need to be aware that we burn huge amounts of mental and physical energy when we are in deep-focus mode so it’s easier to get tired and run down—even sick. It’s important to strategically recharge between bouts of focused execution (think exams, presentations, key meetings, work outs, etc.).
A great example of strategic recharging is el Bulli, a restaurant in Spain that was the subject of an incredible book called A Day at el Bulli by Albert Adrià and Juli Soler. While it was open, the restaurant was widely considered the best in the world—2 million people requested reservations annually. Adrià, the chef, was known for carefully planning and preparing 35-plus-course meals. Through drawings, diagrams, research, chemistry experiments, even manufacturing their own tools, the team would be relentless in their preparation so they could consistently lead people through mind-blowing dining experiences. They ended up creating 1,846 unique dishes and became the best in the world at what they do.
But get this: el Bulli was closed for 6 months a year. The most successful restaurant in the world was only open half the year. The team would spend the other half of the year deconstructing, planning, learning, and creating. That’s a serious commitment to performance, recharging, and continuous growth.
We simply cannot hold our attention and focus completely on one thing all the time (unless you are a Zen monk who has been practicing in a monastery for decades). We need to alternate between deep focus when we have tasks to do or experiences to enjoy, and then allowing our bodies, minds, and emotions to recharge so we can be ready for our next deep dive into all that life has to offer.
One of the most effective articulations I have seen of this principle is in a book titled Peak Performance by Brad Stulberg and Steve Magnus. They came up with a simple formula for performance that is incredibly powerful: stress plus rest equals growth. So often in the name of excellence, we skip the rest and recharge part. We just can’t. If you are seeking a life of peak performance and deep satisfaction, you need to hardwire opportunities to recharge into your life.
Today’s Call to Action: What Requires your Radical Attention?
If we can control our attention and direct it toward the things that matter most to us, we can experience life more deeply than if we try to race through our daily to-do lists. In this era of unrelenting distraction, attention is the one factor we can control that has a significant impact on our lives. Controlling and directing our attention is how we unlock our ability to truly experience life at the highest possible level in each and every moment.
What is happening (or not happening) in your life that needs complete focus? Answering this question is both a catalyst for health and performance improvements and an opportunity to break through whatever is currently limiting you. This week, set aside some time to brainstorm this question. You can write down your thoughts on the Notes section on page 18 of your Rest, Refocus, Recharge Workbook.
Today’s Bonus Video
Check out this video of Greg discussing the practice of radical attention
The information and advice provided in this program is intended to assist you with improving your performance, as well as your general health. It is not intended and should not be used in place of advice from your own physician or for treatment or diagnosis of any specific health issue. By participating in this program you acknowledge that undertaking any new health, diet and/or exercise regime involves certain inherent risks, that you assume such risks, and that you release Wells Performance Inc. from any responsibility or claim relating to such participation.