Use attention to sculpt your life

Imagine your attention as a sculptor, meticulously chiselling at the marble that is your life.

Each thought, action, and decision you make is a precise strike of the hammer, shaping your identity.

In "Rapt," Winifred Gallagher presents a captivating case for the critical role attention plays in our lives. She urges us not to drift through existence, merely reacting to whatever comes our way.

Instead, deliberately choose activities and relationships that merit your time and attention.

Notable psychologist Barbara Fredrickson's research supports Gallagher's claim. Fredrickson's "Broaden and Build" theory posits that positive emotions broaden our awareness, leading to the discovery of new skills, relationships, and ideas, which then build our personal resources over time.

So, how do you unleash the power of your attention?

1. Embrace the "flow" state: Select activities that nudge you just beyond your comfort zone, demanding your complete focus. Striking the balance between boredom and anxiety will immerse you so deeply in your work that time slips away, ego dissolves, and intuition takes charge.
2. Prioritise leisure time: Devote as much attention to your downtime as you do to your workday. Craft fulfilling evenings and weekends to ensure wise use of your time and attention. As Gallagher points out, merely contemplating attentiveness primes your brain for the actual experience. If you anticipate a good time, you'll look for reasons to support it.
3. Practice mindfulness: Train your attention by being present in each moment and becoming aware of your thoughts and actions. A regular practice of contemplation or reflection, such as meditation or journaling, can help you become more conscious of where your focus lies.

​Pay attention​ to what you pay attention to, and watch your life transform.

The sculptor's hammer is in your hands. What masterpiece will you create?