Focus.
Focus.
Focus.
We hear those words a lot. In terms of classes, lectures, activities, and goals. Where we focus our attention is often where we will go. As a dancer spins in a turn, he or she focuses on a stationary spot on the wall in front. If they focus on their feet instead, they fall. Likewise, our focus or concentration can also predict our paths in life. If we think we are going to fail, we do. If we think we are going to succeed and work hard to do so, we often do.
But what happens when something distracts us and that focus strays? When our attention wavers to rest on something more interesting at the moment? When our eyes catch something shiny, something funny, something cooler? When the prize set before us gets kind of fuzzy and loses the attraction? When we are distracted by something more glittery, pleasant, appealing?
Just like the dancer whose eyes fall to her feet, we fall.
Focus helps us stay on the right path to achieving our goal.
When we lose that focus or attention on our goals, misdirection comes and steals our wallets and watches.
Wait, what?
Today's TED Talk is all about the Art of Misdirection and a great illustration of what can happen when our focus is manipulated. Don't let something flashy or shiny come and steal your dreams. Don't let time pass without you realizing it. Pay attention. Stay focused.
Check out Appolo Robbins's TED Talk here.
Hailed as the greatest pickpocket in the world, Apollo Robbins studies the quirks of human behavior as he steals your watch. In a hilarious demonstration, Robbins samples the buffet of the TEDGlobal 2013 audience, showing how the flaws in our perception make it possible to swipe a wallet and leave it on its owner’s shoulder while they remain clueless.
