We talk a lot about skills - job skills, sports skills, game skills, and even 21st century skills. But focus as a skill rarely comes up in those lists. Why is that? Education disruptors, technologists, and gamification enthusiasts are willing to trade the development of focus for pretty much any other skill. We practice intricate techniques of disciplines like writing and math, and tout the virtues of repetition and drill in athletics of all levels. But, even a re-read of that last sentence helps reveal what each of these endeavors has in common, and couldn’t exist without: focus. It’s uniquely elusive and ubiquitous. And we need it to thrive.
Underrated Skill
Underrated Skill
Underrated Skill
We talk a lot about skills - job skills, sports skills, game skills, and even 21st century skills. But focus as a skill rarely comes up in those lists. Why is that? Education disruptors, technologists, and gamification enthusiasts are willing to trade the development of focus for pretty much any other skill. We practice intricate techniques of disciplines like writing and math, and tout the virtues of repetition and drill in athletics of all levels. But, even a re-read of that last sentence helps reveal what each of these endeavors has in common, and couldn’t exist without: focus. It’s uniquely elusive and ubiquitous. And we need it to thrive.