HOW TO STAY FOCUSED ON THINGS

How to stay focused and concentrated???

Are you excited to know how!!!

Let's start with a story here.

In the 1920s, a German professor named Eugen Herrigel moved to Japan. He came to teach philosophy at a university a few hours northeast of Tokyo, in a city called Sendai.

To deepen his understanding of Japanese culture, Herrigel began training in Kyudo, the Japanese martial art of archery. He was taught by a legendary archer named Awa Kenzo. Kenzo was convinced that beginners should master the fundamentals of archery before attempting to shoot at a real target, and he took this method to the extreme. For the first four years of his training, Herrigel was only allowed to shoot at a roll of straw just seven feet away.

When Herrigel complained of the incredibly slow pace, his teacher replied “The way to the goal is not to be measured! Of what importance are weeks, months, years?”

When he was finally permitted to shoot at more distant targets, Herrigel’s performance was dismal. The arrows flew off course and he became more discouraged with each wayward shot. During a particularly humbling session, Herrigel stated that his problem must be poor aim.

Kenzo, however, looked at his student and replied that it was not whether one aimed, but how one approached the task that determined the outcome. Frustrated with this reply, Herrigel blurted out, “Then you ought to be able to hit it blindfolded.”

Kenzo paused for a moment and then said, “Come to see me this evening.”

After night had fallen, the two men returned to the courtyard where the practice hall was located. Kenzo walked to his usual shooting location, now with the target hidden in the dark. The archery master proceeded through his normal routine, settled into his firing stance, drew the bow string tight, and released the first arrow into the darkness.

Recalling the event later, Herrigel wrote, “I knew from the sound that it had hit the target.”

Immediately, Kenzo drew a second arrow and again fired into the night.

Herrigel jumped up and ran across the courtyard to inspect the target. In his book, Zen in the Art of Archery, he wrote, “When I switched on the light over the target stand, I discovered to my amazement that the first arrow was lodged full in the middle of the black, while the second arrow had splintered the butt of the first and ploughed through the shaft before embedding itself beside it.”

Kenzo had hit a double bullseye without being able to see the target.

Great archery masters often teach that “everything is aiming.” Where you place your feet, how you hold the bow, the way you breathe during the release of the arrow—it all determines the end result.

ZANSHIN:

Zanshin is a word used commonly throughout Japanese martial arts to refer to a state of relaxed alertness.[the mind with no remainder]. In other words, the mind completely focused on action and fixated on the task at hand.

Using the Zanshin technique to stay focused and concentrated can be beneficial not only in martial arts but also in various aspects of life. Some are,

1. Mindfulness: Start by cultivating mindfulness in your daily activities. Practice being fully present in whatever you're doing, whether it's work, studying, or any other task. Avoid distractions and immerse yourself in the present moment.

2. Set Clear Goals: Define your goals and objectives clearly. Knowing what you want to achieve helps you maintain focus and concentration. Break larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks to make progress more achievable.

3. Attention to Detail: Pay attention to the details of your task. Just as a martial artist remains aware of their surroundings, observe the nuances of your work or activity. This can help you catch errors, make improvements, and stay engaged.

4. Stay Calm Under Pressure: Zanshin involves maintaining composure and readiness in stressful situations. Practice remaining calm and composed when facing challenges or pressure. Deep breathing and relaxation techniques can be helpful.

5. Avoid Rushing: Rushing through tasks can lead to mistakes and decreased focus. Take your time and work steadily. Focus on completing one task before moving on to the next.

6. Reflect and Review: After completing a task or activity, take a moment to reflect on your performance. Consider what went well and what could be improved. This self-assessment can help you refine your focus and concentration for future tasks.

7. Regular Practice: Like martial artists who train consistently, make a habit of practicing focus and concentration in your daily life. Over time, it will become a natural part of your mindset.

8. Minimize Distractions: Identify and eliminate distractions in your environment. Turn off notifications on your devices, create a clutter-free workspace, and establish a routine that minimizes interruptions.

9. Prioritize Self-Care: Maintain your physical and mental well-being through adequate sleep, a balanced diet, regular exercise, and relaxation techniques. A healthy body and mind support better focus and concentration.

10. Seek Guidance: If you're struggling to stay focused and concentrated, consider seeking guidance or coaching. Professionals, mentors, or coaches can provide valuable insights and techniques to enhance your concentration skills.

Remember that mastering the Zanshin technique or any focus-enhancing practice takes time and consistent effort. Be patient with yourself as you work on improving your ability to stay focused and concentrated in various aspects of your life.