No life ever grows great until it is focused, dedicated, and disciplined. ~ Author Unknown
There is a central point of attention. It is concentration—focus.
What I like about the exercise this world-renown neuroscientist gives to shift your child’s focus from everything around to what is important for the moment is its simplicity.
The mouth of a soup spoon is curved, so it can scoop up liquids easily. However, it cannot be used to cut steak or bread because the blade is not sharp enough. It also cannot cut through fabric or cardboard. Its focus is diffused.
On the other hand, a knife has its edge and end chiseled down to a point of focus. Not only can it perform all the above functions, but it can also be used to poke holes in belts, turn screws, pry out small objects, and do many other things.
Its usefulness is multiplied.
Focus is just as powerful in your child’s life.
If you want your struggling reader to achieve learning success, the first step is to help him achieve focus and attention.
As Dr. Leaf emphasized, if you help your child to control his brain, he won’t need to pop pills to improve his focus.
Is there an area in your life where you need to improve your focus?
I’m a little confused about the “diffused” power of the spoon. For sure, a knife can be used for many things but the user has to pay attention or… ouch-a-ronies!!! As for me, I struggle with focus and am distracted by…
… something shiny…
… or tasty…
… or (my train of though just got derailed…)
Hi Florence,
I like this thought exercise. Your example is interesting because a knife is not the best tool for punching a hole in a belt and if it is used to remove a screw or pry loose an object, its focused edge is lost.
Stay sharp, blog on!
Definitely trying out this exercise even for myself to sharpen my focus as I work.. thanks for the tip and the video