The Art of Paying Attention

 

“The difference between something good and something great is attention to detail.”

– Charles Swindoll

Author

 

When we are small children, we paid attention to everything. Many will say that a child has a short attention span and therefore is not focused on anything. Here is a challenge, without making a fuss, casually offer a child a piece of candy, promise to take them someplace, and give them a toy they love. Do all this in about two minutes. Now, say nothing more about any of it and see which ones the child will remember. I can promise you they will remember them all, and they will not let you forget either.

 

Now move forward to the early and middle teen years, and you will find they remember little to nothing at all. Many teens forget where their shoes are when they are still on their feet! And adults are the most hopeless group of all when it comes to paying attention. The world is changing, and things are happening worldwide, and most people have no idea what is going on. Rap star and musician Quavo gave good advice when he said, “History repeats itself. So you might wanna pay attention.”

 

The best time to learn the art of paying attention is when we are young. It is up to the older generation to help the younger to understand that they can achieve anything if they pay attention to the world around them. Author Henry Miller (1891-1950) noted that “The moment one gives close attention to anything, even a blade of grass it becomes a mysterious, awesome, indescribably magnificent world in itself.”

 

Paying attention is not a difficult thing to do. All one has to do is keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut. For most of us, if we took our attention off ourselves and put it on the things around us, we would find that there is a beautiful world out there just waiting to be discovered.

 

Multidisciplinary photographer/artist/performer Nhang Kijarro Nguyen said, “What catches your attention can change day to day. But what catches your attention day after day is what you should pay attention to.” That is essential advice not only for the young but for all of us. Many search for their “purpose” or “calling” in life and yet never see that it is right there in front of them. They think that it must be something either they do not want to do, but God will force them to do, or it is something hidden, and they must seek it out like a treasure.

 

Your purpose is what you were created to do. It is part of you and what will complete you as a person. Purpose is never something we run from but preferably something we want more than anything else. It is not hidden but calls to us every day of our life. Open your eyes and find that, and you will find your purpose.

 

Help young people escape from the confusing and distracting noise and influences all around them. Please help them learn the simple art of paying attention, and their search can lead them on paths to greatness. As actor Keanu Reeves said, “The simple act of paying attention can take you a long way.”

 

You can learn more about Personal Development from the author and speaker, John Patrick Hickey. To get his books, training material, or book him to speak to your church, business, or group, visit our website at www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   

© 2021 John Patrick Hickey. No part of this material may be reprinted or published without the written permission of the author.