Attention refers to how we interpret specific information and experiences at a given moment in time. However, at any given moment, the mind can have numerous thoughts, sensations, and actions vying for its attention. Unfortunately, our ability to pay attention to detail is limited. If we allow our attention to drift between competing demands, we can quickly lose focus.
In this post, we will look at some key tenets of attention, why paying attention to detail is important, and consider how you can improve it.
How does attention work?
Before looking at how to improve your attention to detail skills, it is important to understand more clearly what makes attention tick:
Attention is present from birth
As an intrinsic part of the cognitive system, our ability to pay attention to certain aspects of our environment is present from birth. It is a vital component of human survival. Intrinsic attention guides us by telling us which events in our environment require immediate action.
Attention is finite
There is only so much we can focus on at any given moment. How long we can pay attention to things depends on how much we are interested in the topic and how much distraction we face.
Attention is selective
Because attention is finite, it requires us to be selective in where we apply our focus. If we work in a busy office, we may need to filter out noise to be able to focus. This may happen without you realizing. However, controlling this aspect of our attention is vital when it comes to paying attention to details more closely.
How to improve your attention to detail?
It is important to pay close attention to detail in both our personal lives and at work. If we don’t, we will fail to notice when we need to make changes in our personal life. We may also miss out on potential advancement opportunities at work. The following tips are 4 key ways to improve your attention to detail.
Limit distractions
Given that attention is finite, it is important to reduce the number of distractions we could face. Indeed, research has shown that humans are not very good at multi-tasking at all. What we actually tend to do is switch between tasks. We are able to do this rapidly, but not simultaneously. However, if we are to focus on the detail of something, it becomes far harder when we allow our attention to be distracted.
Whilst some distractions are outside of our control, especially in the workplace, many are not. For example, notifications for phone messaging and email serve to distract us from what we intend to be doing and encourage our minds to wander.
Having set times to check emails helps to ensure this distraction can be controlled. We can also ensure we cannot see or feel any uninvited buzzes from our phones if we want to pay attention to detail.
Be present & aware
One way to improve attention to detail is to take the time to clearly focus on your current task. If you notice yourself zoning out from the task you are hoping to achieve, then it is better to take a moment to collect your thoughts and ensure you are present and aware of your environment. If you continue to carry out your task without focus, then you will not be able to pay attention to details, which may lead to mistakes.
Losing focus, zoning out, and failing to stay present can be due to a variety of factors. These can be small issues, like needing a break or some sustenance. In this instance, there are numerous steps you can take to maintain a focused and clear mind.
However, they could be larger issues, such as lack of interest or stress derived from your task. In this instance, it is important to recognize that you may need to change the situation you are in.
Have a break
Failing to take breaks regularly makes it harder to pay attention to detail. Whilst some people can stay focused for up to 2 hours, some studies suggest shorter time frames of 52 minutes on, 17 minutes off, can be more beneficial if you need to pay closer attention to detail. Indeed, other studies have shown that even within shorter time frames of just 50 minutes.
The Pomodoro technique takes this further, encouraging 25 minutes of sharply focused study and 5 minutes of break time. This turns abstract time into a more concrete form of time in smaller segments. This helps people focus on current tasks and initiates a positive tension of a deadline.
Ultimately, the research shows that people who take more regular breaks tend to perform better and with more mental sharpness. This makes them less likely to make mistakes by failing to pay attention to important details.
Organization
If we need to pay attention to detail, then we need to be organized. This is true in our minds and in our environment. If we are working on a task in a chaotic environment, we facilitate distraction. However, it is easy to become more organized with similar measures.
Writing things down in lists, calendars, and diaries also helps to ensure things don’t get forgotten. When things are written down, we are also more likely to do them. Indeed, one study found you are 42% more likely to meet your goals if you write them down regularly. When it comes to attention to detail, removing the clutter in the mind and our environment helps to ensure things don’t fall through the cracks.
Paying attention to detail is important because we are more likely to succeed in our personal lives. It can allow us to focus more clearly on aspects of our own lives that may need changing. Alternatively, it can help us to achieve more highly at work. With the strategies above you increase your chances of staying focused, ignoring distractions, and build your detail-oriented strengths.
