Anything worth achieving in life requires focus. This is true whether it is a simple task, a complex project, or a life-enhancing moment. Many of us pride ourselves on our ability to maintain our attention in the midst of distractions and noise. But as Daniel Goleman points out in his recent book, "Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence," the real enemy of focus is not outside activity and distractions, but rather the emotionally-charged things that weigh on our minds.

That brings us to my next philosophical nugget in this year-end countdown:

A free mind is a focused mind.

I touched on this in my recent article, “Don't Worry, Be Happy” where I talk about the folly of worry. Chronic worry can sap us of our energy and can suck the joy out of life. And one way it does that is by impairing our ability to focus. As Goleman writes in his book, most of us have become pretty good at tuning out the literal background noise in any given moment when we have something to do. What is much harder is tuning out the voices in your head that speak to you on an emotional level – an argument with a spouse, a conflict with a co-worker, worries about economics, concerns about the future of your career and your practice. These are the kind of things that pull you away from the focus you need to achieve great things.

So take a moment to reflect and identify those recurring emotional distractions. Then take the first steps in arriving at solutions that will relieve your anxieties or, if nothing can be done, resolve to let it go. Don't let these emotional parasites take up residence in your mind.

This is at the same time a very simple and difficult exercise. But once you have cleared away that mental clutter, you will be surprised at the intensity of your focus, and what that can mean for your personal and professional advancement.


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Commenter's Profile Image Barry Polansky
December 17th, 2013
Dan Goleman's new book, Focus, is an interesting read. Imtiaz brings up some very good points. One thing I found helpful is that once we become distracted, our focus turns to ourselves. Instead of the necessary "other-focus" that we need to work and live fruitfully--we become self-focused. I can't think of anything that will hurt a practice and a life than paying too much attention to one's self. That was my nugget from Goleman's new book.
Commenter's Profile Image John Sweeney
December 18th, 2013
Imtiaz, great post.. I recently bought this book a few weeks ago but haven't sat down to read it yet. Now I'm definitely going to get going on it. I recently read a book that may be similar that talks about distractions, etc. It's called "The One Thing". great book as well. Barry, nice nugget.. It is ironic how distractions, hard events, and financial issues in our life push us towards self-focus.. It's like a constant battle. I think that is why volunteer activities and mission trips are so good for us. They tend to relieve that tension of self focus and realign our lives. I haven't yet been able to go to Guatemala with the open wide foundation, but I have spoken with other docs that have and they have found a renewed energy and focus that make a big impact on their practice once they return. I guess it's a by product of becoming focused on the "right things". Thanks guys for always helping me keep the right perspective!
Commenter's Profile Image Barry Polansky
December 18th, 2013
John -- I read The One Thing---it's also a good book. Tough to implement though. John Gordon just wrote a book called The One Word - not bad advise, but once again tough to keep it rolling. The emotional mind takes over our day to day lives. On self- focus-- we see this all the time on sports teams-- players who are more interested in their contracts play is safe during during contract years--not going all out---and letting down their teammates along the way. Self focus is the opposite of teamwork...one football player one said -- 11 men playing as one. Dental teams are the same way.
Commenter's Profile Image Dr. Zaigham Ansari
December 18th, 2013
Dear Imitaz Manji, great observation and comments... As a psychiatrist who see patients all day with focus and emotional issues, only comment would be that both focus and emotions are essential part of normal psychic but its the balance that we need to navigate. Emotions is like dust, once you stir the pot, more it clouds our judgment and focus. Taking a daily inventory of your emotions and finding time to unwind is a must, otherwise things pile up and we feels overwhelmed and distracted. Operate in life with inner love not hate and let your mind and heart lead you to success. just few thoughts