MSS #078: Play the Point, Not the Tournament: Mastering Present-Moment Focus

MSS #078: Play the Point, Not the Tournament: Mastering Present-Moment Focus

6 July, 2024

🕒Read time: 3.1 minutes

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In the game of life, it’s easy to get caught up in the overarching goals and pressures, often losing sight of the importance of the present moment. So much so the fear of losing the match, impacts the game in progress.

This is where the concept of "Play the point, not the tournament" comes into play.

Inspired by sports, this principle encourages focusing on the immediate task at hand rather than being overwhelmed by the entire journey.

Let’s get into how to implement this mindset practically and the science behind its effectiveness.

The Science Behind Present-Moment Focus

We will go a little deeper, before coming up for air and grasping the practicalities.

The Role of the Conscious and Unconscious Mind

The human brain operates using both the conscious and unconscious mind. The conscious mind is analytical and deliberate, while the unconscious mind is intuitive and automatic.

The unconscious mind excepts what is given without challenge or question. When we ask it to do something, it does the equivalent of,

“Yep, if that’s what you want, we can handle that for you.”

Whereas the conscious mind can challenge and reason, more along the lines of.

“Are you sure that’s what you want? In fact, is this the best way. Ah, remember last time you did this you messed up a bit, do you want to do it differently? If you get this wrong, you might look a fool.”

Now we have doubt, indecision etc acting on us.

In fact strictly speaking some of this thinking exists in the unconscious mind as learnt habits, but let’s not over complicate things.

A practical example

At some point I am sure we have all scrunched up a piece of paper and thrown it in a wastepaper bin?

Our unconscious brain finds this easy to do, a simple calculation and evaluation. Left to its own devices if you just let the unconscious mind get on with it, it will hit the target many times - in fact this is the origins of so called beginners luck.

Now introduce doubt, with the conscious mind. Thoughts like,

• Not sure I can do this, not very good at sports

• What if someone n the office sees me

• Your mind is distracted about other worries

The likely hood the paper hits the bin is now much reduced.

When we give our unconscious mind a clear instruction (picture + emotion is best) and trust it to deliver, the outcomes are better than when we introduce fear of the bigger implications.

Unleashing the Power of the Unconscious Mind

When we focus too much on the big picture or the "tournament," the conscious mind can over think it with doubt, which can inhibit performance.

Because now we are not just focusing on executing the next step, we are thinking about the bigger implications.

The unconscious mind, however, excels when we’re in the flow of the moment.

• Example: Athletes often perform best when they are "in the zone," relying on muscle memory and training rather than overthinking their moves. Similarly, by focusing on the present task, you allow your unconscious competencies to guide you effectively.

When we simply focus on the next step, the unconscious full power can be unleashed to just get it done.

Cortisol and Stress

Prolonged focus on the outcome rather than the process can trigger the release of cortisol, a stress hormone. Elevated cortisol levels interfere with cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and decision-making.

• Example: If you’re fixated on the outcome of a job interview, the stress may cause you to stumble over answers. By focusing on each question as it comes, you reduce stress and perform better.

The Reticular Activating System (RAS)

The RAS is a network of neurons in the brainstem that filters out unnecessary information, allowing us to focus on what’s important.

• Example: When you concentrate on the present task, your RAS helps you filter out distractions, making you more efficient and effective in your work.

Neuroplasticity and Habit Formation

Repeatedly practicing present-moment focus can rewire the brain, making this mindset more natural over time.

• Example: By consistently focusing on small tasks rather than large goals, you train your brain to adopt this as a default mode, reducing anxiety and increasing productivity.

Embracing the Here and Now

Shifting your mindset to "play the point" can lead to significant benefits:

• Reduced Anxiety: By focusing on what you can control right now, you alleviate the pressure of future uncertainties.

• Improved Performance: Concentrating on the task at hand allows you to perform at your best, utilising both conscious focus and unconscious skill.

• Increased Satisfaction: Achieving small, immediate goals provides a sense of accomplishment, keeping you motivated and engaged.

If you are thinking - hang on if you just focus on tasks how do you know you are going in the desired direction? Of course at the right time put a plan together to deliver a given goal and review it. But when you are in execution mode, deliver the actions and focus on that.

Practical Implementation: Living in the Now

1. Breaking Down Tasks

When faced with a significant project or goal, it’s beneficial to break it down into smaller, manageable tasks. For instance:

• Example: If you’re preparing for a major presentation, focus first on creating an engaging opening slide. Once that’s done, move on to the next slide, and so forth. This method reduces the overwhelming nature of the entire presentation.

2. Setting Short-Term Goals

Short-term goals act as stepping stones to long-term success. They help maintain focus and provide a sense of accomplishment along the way.

• Example: If you’re writing a book, set a daily word count target instead of fixating on the entire manuscript. Celebrate hitting these daily targets to stay motivated.

3. Presence

Incorporating practices into your daily routine that significantly enhance your ability to stay present are key to this approach. Mindfulness comes in many shapes and forms but is critical about being in the present moment.

• Example: Just notice when your mind drifts off to the past or future. Simply being aware if this will help you nudge your thoughts back to the present moment.

4. Avoiding Multitasking

Multitasking divides attention and reduces the quality of work.

Instead, commit to single tasking.

In fact, multitasking does not exist, multiplexing does. Our conscious mind can only focus on one thing at a time, it can jump quickly between tasks giving the illusion of multi-tasking.

• Example: When working on a report, turn off email notifications and dedicate uninterrupted time to that task alone. This concentrated effort often results in higher quality work and quicker completion times.

5. Reframing Success

Redefine what success looks like in the short term. Instead of viewing success as the completion of a grand goal, see it as the completion of today’s task.

• Example: In a fitness journey, view each workout as a success rather than focusing solely on the final goal of weight loss or muscle gain.

Conclusion

Whether tackling a challenging project, preparing for an important meeting, or pursuing long-term dreams, remember to "play the point."

By focusing on the present moment and letting go of worries about the "tournament," you embrace the here and now.

This approach not only reduces unnecessary pressure but also unlocks your full potential, allowing you to perform at your best.

Start practicing this mindset today and discover the freedom and ease it brings to your life.

It’s simple, but very effective.

It does not take too much practice to get better at being focused on the next step, rather than the significance of the full project.

See you next week. One more thought 👇

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That's it for this week. Thanks for reading, really hope this helped. Contact me if you think I can help you further at [email protected].

Happy thinking.