One reason as to why some people do not get what they want, whether it is success in their job or excelling in life, is due to the ‘lack of focus and pinpointed attention’ to their assigned undertaking.

Basically, it is our focus which determines as to where we reach in life and what position we attain. Regrettably, most of us do not think much about it even when we are meeting people or doing our day to day chores. Instead of finishing one thing we keep on jumping to another. It might give the impression of being busy but it ends up our time being spent unproductively. I myself have been guilty of it more than once. But as one lives one learns that it is better to do one thing well and complete it to our satisfaction rather than undertake a number of tasks and flit from one to the other.

If I do not follow this approach at end of the day I discover that I might have started a number of assignments but have left a majority of them incomplete. Power of focus essentially means the ability to focus the mind on any one given thing at a time. The shortest and the most efficient way of doing anything or attending to any responsibility is to do one thing at a time. I must also admit that like millions of my countrymen, I had no idea of my stupendous mind power and the benefit of focusing all my capacity and the power to attain excellence when I do on one thing at a time.

Of course, by following this approach I may not get numerous chores done during the course of the day. But this approach will ensure that whatever I do is of the highest standard.

It has been rightly said that genius is 90% perspiration and 10 % inspiration. It can be safely added that hard work, without a ‘laser-like focus’ would not get us the desired results. Students who excel and top in the universities and competitive examinations have done so only with pinpointed focus. Focus necessarily has to be linked to a specific goal, or aim.

Only if we work with an unwavering and a steadfast mind, with the zeal of a crusader for any goal, we are bound to achieve it. If our thoughts and hopes are elsewhere, it is impossible for us to set our faces steadily towards the work required of us. Pinpointed concentration specifically requires that we do not chase two rabbits at the same time, as both will escape then. It only highlights the importance of tackling one problem at a time and concentrating all our efforts in doing it. It is rather annoying to speak to somebody and find that he or she is not paying any attention to you as his mind is elsewhere.

I have felt it and realized that if I do not like it, I am sure others would also not like my doing so. So I have made it a rule that wherever I am, I should be there and give full attention when listening to others.

This is not only good manners but also enables us not to miss any point in the conversation. The main question arises is as to how we develop and strengthen the power of focus and concentration.

Here are a few exercises which any of us can do, when doing our ordinary chores, without spending any extra or special time. For example, when having a bath, we should pay attention to every part of the body we are soaping, or washing. When dressing up, we should pay attention not only to wearing the clothes but also keep an eye on them, whether they are crumpled, or need ironing, and what body movement we are doing, at the same time.

Similarly, when reading a book, we should focus our mind and eyes on words, to discover as to what the author is trying to convey. Let not the outside noise distract you. When working, we should work in a way as if it was the most important thing in the world for us. Even when you are working on a job, which you do not like, give your best to it, as if your very survival depended upon it. When exercising, or walking, or doing any physical activity, do not think of anything else. Focus on the exercise. When conversing with others, extend them the courtesy of paying all your attention in listening to them. This will also enable you to respond promptly, relevantly and to the point, if, at any time, you want to add or say something to them.

Similarly when eating your food, focus your mind on the food, to enjoy its flavour and taste. The idea behind these exercises is to do one thing at a time so that you can get the best results. Developing focussed and pinpointed attention is a hard job. But with persistence, perseverance and patience you can amplify and enhance this power of your mind.

Over a period of time, you will find rewards much more than you ever expected at any time in your life. The advantage of developing power of pinpointed focus is that you will be able to control your thoughts, have plenty of peace of mind, as well as have freedom from futile and annoying thoughts, self- confidence and better memory. You will also have more inner strength. Be decisive with plenty of decisiveness. However, it is not possible to give any timeframe as to when and how much power of concentration will, or can be developed. It is something which has to be practised constantly. There is no finality to any improvement. Live with no excuses, live with no regrets, when life gives you 100 reasons to cry, show life that you have 1,000 reasons to smile.

Joginder Singh, IPS (Retd.) Former Director, CBI, India, 123-124, Nav Sansad Vihar, CGHS, Sector 22, Plot Number 4, Dwarka, New Delhi 110077. If your mail calls for reply, you may expect the same in 72 to 96 hours.

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