Tip of the Week: Focus, Pay Attention, and Be Present
When you think about it, the time just after Christmas and the start of the new year naturally lends itself to re-thinking our values, goals, and commitments- in other words, the whole New Year’s resolutions thing. The buzz, which has largely died down, was all about “what are you going to start doing or what are you going to stop doing.” Here’s a tip that you and your children can use to help get started on something new or recommit to something you have already been doing, but let slide.
Focus. Not observe, view, or read passively, but focus. Pay attention. Be truly present.
The book, The Games Do Count by Brian Kilmead, presents a series of short one to two page stories of people who have reached the top of their professions. They all credit a large part of their achievement to a coach, a sport, or even a single moment of competition. They were focused. They paid attention. They were truly present. As a result, the direction of their lives and ultimate achievement was affected.
Our children’s decision to pursue a particular career or vocation will likely be the result of who or what they focus on. If your student finds the books you are using to be boring, they’ll likely not engage or focus. Consider changing things up.
If the learning method you’re using is monotonous and too repetitious, consider changing the delivery system for one or two courses.
Include YouTube clips, games, partner learning, and any hands-on activities you can think of that will tip the scales toward greater commitment by your student to your chosen course of study.
Help your student focus, pay attention, and be present. Doing so will ignite learning.
That’s the tip of the week!
Curt Bumcrot, MRE
