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Daniel Goleman on Focus: Why It Matters Now

Learn from Daniel Goleman why focus is crucial today and how to improve concentration through mindfulness and attention training.

DANIEL GOLEMAN
Aug 2, 2025
2 min read(307 words)
Daniel Goleman on Focus: Why It Matters Now

What Is Focus and Why Is It Important Today?

Focus is the ability to direct your attention and maintain concentration on a specific task or thought. In today’s fast-paced, distraction-filled world, cultivating focus is more critical than ever. Daniel Goleman, bestselling author of Emotional Intelligence, explores this topic in his book Focus and shares key insights on how we can train our minds for better concentration.

Common Misconceptions About Focus

Goleman highlights three major misconceptions about focus that hold people back from improving their attention span:

1. We’re Passive Victims to Distractions

Many believe they have no control over distractions. However, Goleman emphasizes that attention is like a muscle—it can be strengthened with practice. Mindfulness exercises, such as focusing on your breath, help train the brain to notice when it wanders and gently bring it back. Each time you refocus, you reinforce neural pathways, improving mental fitness over time.

2. Distraction Equals ADHD

There’s a growing belief that attention deficits require medication. Goleman points out that while ADHD drugs may offer short-term benefits, their effectiveness diminishes over time. Instead, attention training—such as mindfulness exercises for kids—can improve focus naturally and cost-effectively.

3. Focus Is Too Hard to Teach

Some assume focus can’t be taught, but Goleman shares an example from a New York school where young students practiced concentration by watching a stuffed animal rise and fall with their breath. This simple exercise helped them stay calm, attentive, and ready to learn—proving that focus training works at any age.

How to Improve Your Focus

  • Practice mindfulness meditation (e.g., breath awareness).
  • Limit distractions by creating a dedicated workspace.
  • Train attention early—teach kids focus techniques in school.
  • Take breaks to recharge mental energy.

For more insights, watch Mindful’s interview with Daniel Goleman or try his 9-minute sensory focus practice.

DANIEL GOLEMAN

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