Choosing Focus over Distractions- Marcello Recommends: Attention Pays by Neen James

Not many people I know get their book displayed in the storefront of Barnes and Noble on 5th Avenue in New York City. Then again, I don't know many people like Neen James.  As a matter of fact, she's one of a kind. 

Beyond the impressive thought leadership brilliance and talent on stage is a beautiful combination of style, flair, and generosity toward those she cares about.  I'm very fortunate to call her a dear friend and grateful to have her as a mentor.   

The really cool thing is that even if I weren't a huge fan, I'd still be recommending her latest book, Attention Pays, "How to Drive Profitability, Productivity, an Accountability" to all of my fellow entrepreneurs and professional colleagues.

Attention Pays is a fabulous new book that covers the essentials of managing your energy, sharpening your focus, and prioritizing your time.  It's filled with helpful facts, actionable guidance, research, and anecdotes that will help you navigate the inevitable work-life integration challenges you face every day in this fast-paced, digital distraction-filled world.

Here are a few of my favorite excerpts:

"We are so focused on technology, our never ending to-do list, and our lack of time, we fail to pay attention to the people, passions, and priorities that are important to us."

"I want you to look up at the magnificent world around you and really notice people.  I want you to take a moment and really look someone deeply in the eyes.  I want you to pause, take a breath, and be right here in the very moment."

"In a study of 2000 respondents, Think Money found a total of 759 hours, (That's 31 days!) in lost time every year due to distractions."

"The Diffusion Group published findings on exstreamist.com that we spend more time watching Netflix than eating, reading, or having sex!"

"Work-life integration is when your environment, emotions, and expectations are what you want them to be.  It's creating an environment that works for you.  That might mean working home on a Friday to complete strategic projects."

"Transformational attention means holding our own agenda at bay and being outward rather than inward focused. It's being tuned in to the implication of our words, actions, and behaviors. It's listening with the intent to listen, instead of  listening to respond. We can constantly choose to invest rather than waste our attention on a regular basis no matter how busy we perceive we are."

"Stop trying to be all things to all people.  Stop trying to do everything. Stop trying to be everywhere and part of every conversation."

"Motivation is what gets you started.  Habit is what keeps you going." - Jim Rohn

"Unsubscribe to anything that doesn't positively feed your soul."   

  "Avoid drama. Don't participate on social media platforms or discussion groups where you will be exposed to negative sources that won't provide valuable feedback."

 "Those with intentional attention spend 15 minutes each morning deciding their top three priorities for the day.  They know where they are going, their long-term goals, and they know how their daily goals will help them reach their ultimate destination.  They accomplish their non-negotiable priorities first, and then fill in with lower-level priorities."

"Say 'no' to things that don't take you closer to your goals, get you excited, make you want to jump out of bed, or move you forward."

Click here to order your copy of Attention Pays.

Cheers,

Marcello