Learn How To Pay Attention To What Matters Most | Dr. Henry Cloud

We live in a world of constant distractions. From our overflowing inboxes to the endless notifications from our phones, it can be hard to focus on what’s important and prioritize tasks effectively. However, neuroscience has shown that having a place without any distractions is essential for the executive functions of the brain - It’s about the dinner table, having an important conversation, reading a book, listening to a sermon and so on. So how do we make sure we create such an environment? Dr. Cloud prepares you to begin this process with some first steps. Start by attending to what’s relevant. Next is the opposite: inhibit everything else. The third is through working memory: you have to keep that target in front of you–if you can’t sustain your attention then it’s pointless. We can’t deliver our capacities and performance without it.

[lisahull]

These are the very things I work on with special needs kiddos in occupational therapy. I find myself struggling with these same things. Great tips, easy to understand analogies, and very helpful Dr. Cloud. Thank you.

[bethtaylor]

With ADHD kids, it's called 'chunking'. I think it's a map we have in our heads - a scope and sequence to get done what needs done in order to achieve an end. My downfall is the distractions I leave in the block of time - thanks for the reminder. I like the reminder to listen in relationships - and to map out goals in communication when I have them by writing the main things.