Focus Like a Laser Beam

The practical intention of this book is to provide ways to do what matters most. The author makes a distinction between focus and attention: focus being purposeful, deep and selective while attention is more superficial and can be easily distracted.

Laser focus requires you to transcend conventional methods and adjust your beliefs about performance and productivity.

Laser physics as metaphor

The book identifies three stages of laser physics which are used as metaphors for how we can better focus at work:

• Excite and energise - when people are energised they are more interested and better able to focus on what really matters. Energy is a powerful catalyst for creating focus.
• Tune your dialogue - reality is constructed in conversation. Work dialogue is the vehicle for focus.
• Zoom in - to get things done, you need to focus on what really matters and deal with distractions and diversions. You must determine how best to use your precious time.

Ten ways to achieve laser focus

1. Know and feel the power of laser focus - everyone must know what is important and therefore relevant
2. Get involved - close association and communication with others aligns focus
3. Have fun and be fun - positive energy enhances and draws others into your focus
4. Relax to energise - it is easier to focus when you're relaxed not stressed
5. Turn meetings into focus sessions - identify what really matters and jointly focus
6. Invite a challenge - ask for feedback and admit mistakes
7. Huddle - sharing the point of focus brings creative energy to it
8. Stop multitasking, start chunking - get clear about what really matters and do it
9. Do one great thing - aim to get one critical task completed each day
10. Let go - of outdated goals, projects and tasks

"One reason so few of us achieve what we truly want is that we never direct our focus; we never concentrate our power. Most people dabble their way through life, never deciding to master anything in particular."