Developing a Laser Focus
Developing a Laser Focus
What you’ll learn
Skills you’ll gain
While everyone is familiar with the concept of focus, it remains a rare commodity to most. Your ability to focus is a key factor for improving your chances for success. In this course, taught by performance coach Bill Williams, you'll be introduced to the different types of focus, and then you'll learn exactly what focus requires more broadly. You'll not only discover strategies to unlock your ability to focus, you'll also learn to overcome common environmental barriers, connect with yourself and others, and develop habits that sync your mind and body. By the end of this course, you'll have the tools required to stay on task and increase your awareness for personal and professional gain.
Syllabus
Download syllabus-
1
What is focus? Focus is the most directed and concentrated form of attention. 3m
-
2
Types of focus Focus is not a 'one size fits all' phenomenon, it has distinctly different qualities: internal or external, broad or narrow. 2m
-
1
Focus and work The ability to control your focus during a busy work day is a key success factor. 3m
-
2
Focus and your environment Your immediate environment, whether at work or at home, can help or hinder your ability to focus. 3m
-
3
Know your distraction patterns Your focus can be interrupted by internal phenomena like thoughts and worries or external things like interruptions and noise. 3m
-
1
Why is it hard to focus? Humans are inherently distractible, and it is not always easy to overcome this when you’re working to improve your focus. 3m
-
2
Devices and distraction The seductive design of digital devices and social media platforms measurably diminish your ability to focus. 4m
-
3
Focus and Stress High levels of stress can have a negative impact on your ability to focus and deliver when it matters most. 4m
-
4
Task Switching, Not Multitasking When you think you’re multitasking, what you’re really doing is task switching, which means you’re flipping back and forth between tasks. 3m
-
5
Thinking slow There’s a lot of emphasis placed on speed in our culture, but thinking slow is where deep learning takes place, and it takes focus. 4m
-
1
Focus and grit Grit is about long-term focus and persistence over time, a crucial component in getting big things done. 4m
-
2
Focus and preparation for performance Focusing in the 'right' way is a critical component in high performance. After watching this video, you'll be able to prepare to perform effectively. 3m
-
3
Focus and connection to others You are not always as present as you think you are; you will become a better communicator and listener when you begin to focus more closely on others. 3m
-
4
Focus and flow Flow and focus have a strong connection; in flow, time seems to stop and you become fully immersed in what you're doing. 4m
-
1
Mental rehearsal and focus Mentally rehearsing your performance is a great way to lay a foundation for focus. 4m
-
2
Focus and the mind/body loop The mind/body loop has an incredible effect on focus. 2m
-
3
Creating a home focus environment How aware are you of your device use patterns at home? 1m
-
4
Creating a work focus environment Improve your focus at work by changing your work environment. 3m
-
1
Your path forward 1m
Certificate
Certificate of Completion
Awarded upon successful completion of the course.
Instructor
Bill Williams
Bill Williams, MA is a performance coach and consultant focused on providing clients the tools to deliver consistent high-level performance in demanding, real-time environments. His client roster includes renowned/emerging artists and business executives in the Americas, Asia, and Europe. In demand globally as a performance coach and educator, he has delivered seminars at institutions including the Juilliard School, Rice University, and the National University of Singapore. His path to focus began decades ago. As a first trumpet of major orchestras, he committed to solving the question: why doesn’t ‘hard work’ guarantee high performance when it matters most? This question led to graduate studies in psychology and collaborations with pioneers in the areas of attentional control, sport psychology, and expert skill acquisition. Bill works collaboratively with clients, providing tools to empower clients to sharpen their focus and thrive in competitive environments. In addition to his consultancy, Bill continues his performing career as a trumpet soloist and orchestral principal. He has worked with leading artists including cellist Yo-Yo Ma and performs with ensembles including the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra on artistic, cultural and educational initiatives globally.
Bill Williams
Performance Coach and Consultant
Accreditations
Link to awards
How GoSkills helped Chris
I got the promotion largely because of the skills I could develop, thanks to the GoSkills courses I took. I set aside at least 30 minutes daily to invest in myself and my professional growth. Seeing how much this has helped me become a more efficient employee is a big motivation.
