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Focus leads to happiness
A Harvard University study of more than 15,000 people found that people are significantly more happy when their minds have been focused on what they’re doing; they are much less happy when their minds have been wandering.
Happiness can improve focus
Research by Barbara Fredrickson of the University of North Carolina suggests that experiencing positive emotions can help people focus on the big picture and not get distracted by minutiae.
Focus can be hard
Almost half of the time, people are thinking about something other than what they’re currently doing, ranging from 65 percent of the time while taking a shower to 50 percent while working to 10 percent while having sex.
Focus can be sharpened (with practice)
Research suggests that practicing mindfulness meditation can strengthen attention skills and make people less prone to distraction.
Focus leads to success
A study of more than 1,000 children in New Zealand found that those who showed stronger powers of concentration and self-control as kids enjoyed better health and wealth, and fewer run-ins with the law, as adults, regardless of their social class.
Focus is good for relationships
People who are more attuned to other people’s facial expressions and body language show better social skills and fewer relationship problems.
For more on the science of focus, visit the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley.