The Power of Concentrated Effort: A Guide for Rising Leaders Who Desire Immeasurable Success in Their Industries and Callings

In an age of distractions and fleeting attention spans, the ability to focus intently on a single task has become a rare and valuable asset for rising leaders.

Concentrated effort, the deliberate and sustained application of one's mental and physical energies towards a specific goal, is the engine that drives achievement, innovation, and personal growth.

In today's empowering post, we will explore the profound power of concentrated effort, drawing upon insights from various fields including psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy, with particular emphasis on the wisdom found in H.A. Lewis's Hidden Treasure.

By examining the mechanisms through which focused attention amplifies our capabilities, rising leaders like you can understand how to cultivate this essential skill and unlock your own "hidden treasure" of potential.

The Psychology of Focus

​Psychology offers compelling evidence for the benefits of concentrated effort.

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi's concept of "flow," described in his seminal work, Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience, highlights the state of complete absorption in an activity, where time seems to disappear and performance peaks. This state is characterized by intense focus, clear goals, immediate feedback, and a sense of control.

Flow is not merely a pleasurable experience; it is a state in which individuals perform at their best and learn most effectively. Concentrated effort is a prerequisite for entering and sustaining a state of flow. It requires the ability to filter out distractions, maintain attention on the task at hand, and persistently redirect focus when it wanders. This is not just about working hard but working smart, leveraging mental resources efficiently.

Angela Duckworth's research on "grit," as detailed in Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance, further underscores the importance of sustained effort. Grit is defined as perseverance and passion for long-term goals. It is the ability to stick with projects for the long haul, even when faced with setbacks and obstacles. 

Concentrated effort is a key component of grit, as it allows individuals to overcome challenges and maintain progress towards their objectives. Duckworth's research demonstrates that grit is a stronger predictor of success than talent or intelligence, highlighting the critical role of sustained, focused effort in achieving one's goals.

Neuroscience of Attention

​Neuroscience provides insights into the neural mechanisms underlying concentrated effort. The prefrontal cortex, located at the front of the brain, plays a crucial role in attention, working memory, and executive functions. These functions are essential for focusing attention, planning tasks, and inhibiting distractions.

Studies using fMRI have shown that sustained attention is associated with increased activity in the prefrontal cortex and other brain regions involved in cognitive control. Furthermore, neuroplasticity, the brain's ability to reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life, allows us to strengthen our attention capabilities through practice.

By engaging in activities that require focused attention, such as meditation, deliberate practice, or complex problem-solving, we can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our neural circuits, making it easier to concentrate and resist distractions. The more we consciously and deliberately focus our attention, the stronger these neural pathways become.

H.A. Lewis and Hidden Treasure

​H.A. Lewis's Hidden Treasure offers a timeless perspective on the power of concentrated effort, framed within a spiritual context. Lewis argues that within each individual lies a vast reservoir of untapped potential, a "hidden treasure" waiting to be discovered and utilized.

He emphasizes the importance of focusing one's thoughts and energies on positive and constructive goals, believing that sustained mental focus can unlock inner resources and manifest desired outcomes. Lewis's approach is not simply about positive thinking; it is about harnessing the power of the mind to create a better reality. He advocated for a disciplined approach to thought, suggesting techniques for controlling attention and redirecting it away from negative or unproductive thoughts. This requires consistent effort and a unwavering commitment to one's goals. He saw concentrated effort as a pathway to spiritual and personal transformation.

Lewis writes: "The concentrated thought force, which is the greatest force in the universe, is the one that will bring you success, happiness, and freedom." Otherwise stated, he suggests that concentrated effort is not just a means to achieve external goals but also a tool for inner development. By consciously directing our thoughts and energies, we can shape our character, overcome limitations, and manifest our full potential.

Practical Methods to Boost Your Concentration Efforts

​Another key concept in Hidden Treasure is the idea of visualization. Lewis encourages readers to vividly imagine their desired outcomes, believing this mental rehearsal can help attract those outcomes into their lives. Visualization is not simply daydreaming; it is a deliberate and focused process of creating a clear mental picture of what one wants to achieve. This mental image serves as a guide, directing one's thoughts and actions towards the desired goal.

​Concentrated effort is essential for effective visualization. It requires the ability to hold the mental image clearly and consistently, without allowing doubts or distractions to interfere. When combined with focused action, visualization can be a powerful tool for achieving success.

Lewis adds: "Concentration is the ability to focus one's attention, thought, and energy upon a given point."

This concise definition highlights the multifaceted nature of concentration. It is not simply about focusing one's mental attention but also about directing one's thoughts and energies towards a specific objective. Lewis believed that true concentration requires a holistic approach, integrating the mind, body, and spirit. It is about aligning one's inner resources and directing them towards a unified goal. This alignment creates a powerful force that can overcome obstacles and manifest desired outcomes.

Some practical methods for boosting concentration include:
​

• ​Mindfulness Meditation: Practicing mindfulness meditation can significantly improve concentration. By focusing on the present moment, without judgment, leaders can train their minds to resist distractions and maintain attention. Regular meditation practice has been shown to increase activity in the prefrontal cortex, strengthening the neural circuits associated with attention.
• Time Blocking: Time blocking involves scheduling specific blocks of time for specific tasks. By allocating dedicated time slots for focused work, leaders can minimize distractions and maximize productivity. This technique requires careful planning and prioritization, but it can be highly effective for improving concentration.
• Eliminating Distractions: Identifying and eliminating distractions is crucial for improving concentration. This may involve turning off notifications on electronic devices, creating a quiet workspace, or using noise-canceling headphones. By minimizing external stimuli, individuals can create an environment that is conducive to focused work.
• ​Deliberate Practice: Deliberate practice involves focusing on specific skills or areas for improvement and engaging in focused, repetitive practice. This technique is highly effective for developing expertise in various fields. Concentrated effort is essential for deliberate practice, as it requires sustained attention and a willingness to push oneself beyond one's comfort zone.
• Setting Clear Goals: Setting clear, specific, and measurable goals can improve concentration by providing a clear sense of direction. When leaders know what they are trying to achieve, they are more likely to focus their attention and energy on the task at hand. Goals should be challenging but achievable, providing a sense of motivation and purpose.
• Regular Breaks: While concentrated effort is important, it is also essential to take regular breaks. Sustained attention can be mentally fatiguing, and taking short breaks can help to restore focus and energy. Breaks should involve activities that are relaxing and enjoyable, such as taking a walk, listening to music, or socializing with friends.

The Dangers of Being Easily Distracted

The opposite of concentrated effort is distraction, and in our modern world, distractions are omnipresent. Social media, email notifications, and the constant stream of information can fragment our attention and make it difficult to focus on anything for an extended period.

Nicholas Carr, in his book, The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains, argues that the internet is rewiring our brains, making us more prone to distraction and less capable of deep thought. He contends that the constant multitasking and information overload associated with internet use can impair our cognitive abilities and diminish our capacity for sustained attention. This highlights the importance of actively cultivating concentration and resisting the allure of distractions. The ability to focus is not just a skill; it is a defense against the forces that seek to fragment our attention and diminish our cognitive capabilities.

The Power of Concentration When Functioning in a Complex World

In a complex and rapidly changing world, the ability to concentrate is more important than ever. The demands of modern life often require us to juggle multiple tasks, manage competing priorities, and adapt to rapidly changing circumstances. In this environment, the ability to focus on the most important tasks, filter out distractions, and make sound decisions under pressure is essential for success. Concentrated effort allows us to navigate complexity, make sense of information, and solve problems effectively. It is the key to maintaining control in a world that is constantly vying for our attention.

By understanding the psychology and neuroscience of attention, and by drawing upon the timeless wisdom of thinkers like H.A. Lewis, leaders can cultivate this essential skill and unlock their own "hidden treasure" of potential.

​In a world of distractions, the ability to focus is a superpower, enabling us to achieve our goals, overcome challenges, and live more fulfilling lives. As Lewis himself suggests, the power to transform our lives lies within us, waiting to be unleashed through the deliberate and sustained application of concentrated effort. So, embrace the power of focus and unlock the hidden treasure within.

Until next time, Beloved, be blessed.

And as always, let's grow together!

​- Coach Felecia Killings