For the entrepreneurial spirit there is so much opportunity and potential out here it's really true.
In a society riddled with ADHD, ADD, neuro diversity and distraction disorders we assume the worst. The mind loves a negative loop. What if we didn't have labels, and indeed- what happened before the labels?
How do we train the mind, to CHOOSE focus over distraction? Is that even possible? Is that controversial?
You've built a vision, cultivated a purpose, and ignited a fire for positive change. You've done the instagram post and bought the car. But it was never really about the car.. the path to success is rarely a straight line, it's actually a bloody mess. The constant barrage of emails, meetings, and decision-making can leave even the most seasoned leader feeling scattered and overwhelmed.
I've lived it and see it time and time again.
The overactive mind and genius spinning the plates.
Here's the truth: focus isn't a thing to try and grasp, or a luxury, it's a necessity. It's the bridge between your brilliant ideas and their manifestation in the world. As a mindset coach specialising in focus and energetic techniques, I've witnessed and lived the transformative power of the practices behind every day razor-sharp concentration.
Remember Bruce Lee?
Heard of Yogananda?
These guys are at my imaginary dinner party because they didn't mess around when it came to dedicating daily practice to thier focus and nor do I, it's non negotiable and it's been that way for 20 years.
I've dived into the heart, science and soul of this kind of focus because it was always terrible. To much of a dreamer and too much escapism learned from childhood adversity but that's another blog. Point is, I found loads of practical tools and energetic practices to elevate your game and every day wellness. It's my obsession to share it.
Why You Struggle and How to Win - the Neuroscience of Focus got a bit trendy:
With the rise of brilliant current scholars such as Andrew Huberman (please research his thoughts on morning practice), we have access to all the information about how our brains are wired for both focus and distraction, without having to be an actual neuroscientist. They teach us that simply -prefrontal cortex (CEO of our cognitive functions) craves order and direction. But the amygdala (primal fear center) thrives on novelty and potential threats (we all know that one).
Constant notifications, social media pings, and the ever-present "to-do" list act like sirens, hijacking our attention and leaving us feeling scattered. To be honest some days visiting the high street or supermarket is in itself an information overload.
The good news: we can retrain our brain.
It really helped me when I started meeting very cool people that I could talk to about this stuff with, in understanding the neural mechanisms at play, we can cultivate a "focused mind" state. And it makes all the difference.
Here's how:
Mindfulness Meditation: Studies show that mindfulness practices strengthen the prefrontal cortex, which enhances our ability to filter distractions and maintain focus. Just 10 minutes a day can significantly improve your ability to stay present and on task. Creating a micro habit and then stacking these new healthy habits - that's a leveller-upper.
Visualisation: Visualisation activates the same brain regions as actual experience. The subconscious doesn't mind. By vividly picturing your goals and the steps required to achieve them, you prime your brain for success and enhance focu (when you take this a step further and get into the emotion of it too - now we have rocket fuel).
Neuroplasticity: Our brains are incredibly adaptable. We literally reshape them. By intentionally practicing focus techniques, you create new neural pathways, making it easier to stay concentrated over time. Repetition and consistency is key.
The Energetic Advantage: Supercharge Your Focus with Ancient Wisdom
This is the stuff I love. East, West, Ancient into modern, let's use these tools and practices and not be afraid that we are 'woo'. The spirit is not a mystery (although that's another thread I'm happy to geek on).
Eastern and Western (actually all directions) traditions have revered the power of our energetic bodies for millennia. Here are some practices to integrate the wisdom of the Ancients and Ancestors into our Western workday:
Grounding Techniques: Feeling ungrounded is a recipe for scattered attention. We live in our heads and act on autopilot. Practices like standing barefoot on grass or visualising roots connecting you to the earth can anchor your energy and enhance focus (essential, often).
Pranayama (Breathwork): Breath is everything, life, spirit, all of it. It's simple and true. Breath deep, activate the diaphragm, activate the body. Conscious breathing techniques like alternate nostril breathing (Nadi Shodhana) can calm the nervous system and enhance mental clarity. Even three deep breaths, often , can really help (three times a day set times, pause and try this).
Crystals and Talismans: Crystals like fluorite and amethyst are believed to promote focus and concentration. Keep them on your desk or wear them as jewelry during important meetings or tasks. Whether you believe fully in the frequency of the stone or not, you'll be gifted a mental reminder of the meaning and intention behid it, each time you hold it or wear it. The ancient Egyptians and Mayans were among few of our ancestors all about the crystals and talismans.
Practical Strategies: Tools for Everyday Focus
All that lovely fluff shared, let's get down to some actionable strategies to incorporate into a daily routine that's actually going to make a difference:
The Power of the Single Task: Multitasking is a myth and bullshirt. Devote dedicated blocks of time to specific tasks, turning off notifications and distractions.
Create a Sacred Space: Designate a workspace that is clutter-free and conducive to focus.
The Pomodoro Technique: Work in focused 25-minute intervals with short breaks in between. This helps maintain focus and prevents burnout. All sorts of brainwave and somatic reasons for the break.
Schedule Your Peak Performance: Identify your most productive times of the day and schedule demanding tasks accordingly. Journalling is brilliant for this - a daily diary of where your time and energy is going, is a reality check.
The Power of "No": Learn to politely decline requests that drain your said time and energy. Your focus is a valuable resource, it does not and cannot last all day,use it wisely.
The age of Industry Needs Your Laser Light
The fact is, you're brillint - and we need you here, activated and online.
Staying focused in a dynamic business, multi million or solopreneur, it isn't just about productivity and efficiency. It's about bringing your most potent energy to create impactful change.
That can only be channelled through you, and it can only be channelled at full force when your A game is on and your wellbeing is non negotiable.
Imagine the ripple effect: with laser-sharp focus, you can develop breakthrough wellness solutions, inspire your team, and lead with clarity and passion. You become a beacon of well-being, radiating focus and empowering others to do the same. Our relationships deepen (business and personal) and flourish because we are simply more present.
There will be days when distractions win. Get over it.
The sun will set, and rise again. Keep perspective, it's all a balance.
Chemistry takes place, hormonal imbalances occur, we get depleted and need time out, we are fallible humans and that's perfectly inperfect.
It's not a perfect, it's a practice. Daily.
Our brains have been programmed and wired forever and it's all really, really complex. Except when it's not.
Self regulation also develops self compassion and patience. That's what develops a relationship, a business, and empire.
With consistent practice and a commitment to your own health and well-being - physical, mental and spiritual, the focus issue isn't an issue any more it's a game. The gratutude that we can develop through these practices is the real thing required to achieve your goals, this is the attitude that leaves a lasting impact within your friendships, family and industry.
Take a deep breath, center your energy, and get purely focussed on just the next step. It's way more simple than our brilliant brains over think.
The world needs your brightest light! Bring it!
Let's Connect: clare@clarebelmont.net
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