The Sharp Solution: A Brain-Based Approach for Optimal Performance

4

Focus Your Mind

Phase Three of the SHARP Solution focuses on the mind. It has been said that we only spend about 10 percent of our time in the current moment, 50 percent anticipating what's ahead of us, and 40 percent reflecting on what's behind us. This makes sense from a caveman perspective, as our survival-based focus prepares for the future and learns from the past. But when it really counts, we need to be entirely present in the current moment. In order to give energy to the people and things that matter most to us, we need to be very clear about where we choose to focus our attention.

Considering the fact that we have approximately 60,000 thoughts every single day, and that each thought that catches our attention requires us to spend energy, it's no wonder that we feel as if we're running on fumes by the end of the day. The more we have on our mind at any given moment, the more energy we use to operate our brainpower. Fortunately, we can control where we choose to direct our attention and how much time and effort we spend on each thought.

So, how can you better manage your mental energy so you can meet your daily demands? The following are three ways you can keep your energy tank full and readily available when you need it.

1. Spend wisely. The first step in managing your mental energy is to be more aware of how you're using it. Most people are so busy during the day they fail to even consider that they might be spending beyond their limit, which often leads to burnout ...