To learn how to increase attention to detail is a valuable skill. Whatever we want to accomplish in any area of our lives can be more effectively and efficiently achieved with attention to detail
This may seem to some a minor point, especially in mundane tasks that we are involved in daily. Nevertheless, this is a habit, once acquired or enhanced, permeates all areas of our lives.
How to Increase Attention to Detail — A Lost Art
“Any man who can drive safely while kissing a pretty girl is simply not giving the kiss the attention it deserves.”
When I was in my early twenties I worked in the finance industry. Although it was not the career path I desired, I learned much from that job.
One of the most important lessons I learned there was from my Assistant Manager. One day he pulled me aside and said, “To be effective at your job it is essential to have management accountability and attention to detail.”
Even though I did not understand the full impact of that statement initially, I never forgot what he said and over the years its meaning unfolded and has served me well. I spent time learning how to increase attention to detail
Being accountable for all aspects of our lives, both the positive and the negative empowers us to be the best we can be. Excuses appear to give us a way out but only delay the pain of refusing to accept our choices and be responsible for them.
Attention to detail goes hand in hand with accountability by showing the respect we have for ourselves and others by doing our best whatever the task. We are then empowered to continue to improve and grow.
It is a lost art today because all too often jobs get done, if at all, without care and consideration. Going through the motions to get something done is not attention to detail.
Pride of workmanship is the foundation of attention to detail. This not only gets the job done, but it gets done efficiently and effectively.
A Few Ideas to Increase Attention to Detail
- Understand that whatever we are doing is important
- Realize we are all blessed with special and unique gifts to share with others
- There is no small or meaningless task as there are no ordinary moments
- Sweeping the floor with the proper mindset and attention to detail is as important as closing any high-level business transaction
- Stay present and do each task thoroughly. Preparing breakfast can be a work of art when prepared with attention, care, and love
- Welcome constructive criticism when learning to increase our attention to detail
- Learn to enjoy being accountable as we then release the fear and anxiety and embrace our courage and integrity
- Strive to improve in everything we do
- Remain present when completing tasks by engaging all of our senses
- Choose to feel alive moment-to-moment
- Eliminate as many distractions as possible when task-oriented
- Feel good about a job well done regardless of its size or importance
- Observe ourselves and allow ourselves to make mistakes without judgment so that we can consciously make “corrections”
- Mistakes are good as we are learning and provide the opportunity to grow and expand
- As we pay more attention our results automatically improve
How To Increase Attention To Detail When Feeling Stuck
“I truly believe that everything that we do and everyone that we meet is put in our path for a purpose. There are no accidents; we’re all teachers – if we’re willing to pay attention to the lessons we learn, trust our positive instincts and not be afraid to take risks or wait for some miracle to come knocking at our door.”
It’s perfectly okay to feel stuck and even resistant to any change. When we have lived a certain way for many years, we very seldom have an overnight transformation.
It’s all about getting some clarity of what we really desire and then taking that first hesitant step in the right direction. Once the inertia is broken it’s easier to continue no matter how small the steps.
When stuck or resistant just relax and stay in the present moment and allow the feelings to flow through. Realize all is good in the present moment and just observe our thoughts and feelings with no expectations.
Stay present and choose to feel good right now, and even “allow” ourselves to be happy as well. This may go against all we believe is possible based on our resistance and stuckness but just let go and “Be”.
We increase our attention to detail by remaining in the present moment and just observing ourselves and our surroundings. We are actually “practicing being alive”.
We have surrendered our aliveness long ago without even realizing it. Our child self would be disappointed, but it’s okay. As we awaken we will make our child self proud.
As we spend more time in the present we become awake in our dream and no longer unaware that we are responsible for what we see and do by how we think. We then gradually awaken from our dream and realize Who we really Are, and the power we possess as well as the responsibility that goes along with it.
Our attention to detail will naturally increase as we are focused on the task at hand. We have let go of the resistance and have “allowed” our creativity to flow.
The Importance of Attention to Detail
Let’s leave the metaphysical realm for a bit and get practical about increasing our attention to detail.
Why so important?
- Self-Satisfaction — when we do a job well we feel extremely good about ourselves and are proud that we did something well. The size of the task or experience doesn’t matter.
- Pride of Workmanship — each task is done effectively and efficiently with total focus and attention that eliminates needless errors and mistakes by identifying potential errors early in the process.
- Professionalism — an indication that best efforts are applied at all times.
- Reputation — folks known for their attention to detail and quality are sought after and business flows effortlessly through word of mouth.
- Productivity — high levels of productivity are experienced as a result of attention to detail, and problem-solving is a natural part of the process as well as continual learning by increasing understanding and knowledge of a specific task or subject.
- Reliability and Accuracy — results are much more reliable as accuracy is increased as a result of attention to detail, and in certain industries, the importance of safety is emphasized.
- Customer Satisfaction — customer service is a lost art and attention to detail is appreciated and valued when found. This increases loyalty and repeat business.
How To Increase Attention To Detail and Enjoy the Process
“Give yourself a gift of five minutes of contemplation in awe of everything you see around you. Go outside and turn your attention to the many miracles around you. This five-minute-a-day regimen of appreciation and gratitude will help you to focus your life in awe.”
How we think and feel is our choice once we realize that we are not our thoughts and feelings, but rather their guardian or steward. We simply allow our thoughts and feelings to flow without judgment and then consciously decide on what to focus on and give attention to.
At this point, we become conscious creators and can choose to be happy and enjoy the process of any endeavor. We are NOT controlled by our thoughts and feelings any longer.
This is only a decision away. Once we realize that this is possible the choice is a no-brainer. We have for much too long fallen victim to our belief in our powerlessness against outside factors.
Once we realize that we are responsible for this situation because of how we view things as a result of our beliefs, we happily choose differently. We are no longer in the clutches of our own self-created belief system.
Learning how to increase attention to detail will speed up our journey to freedom and joy.
The world is the way it is and that is a fact. How we experience the world is up to us based on our perceptions. Knowing this is a freeing experience.
Let’s enjoy the process of whatever we are involved in. Let’s give it the attention and focus it deserves. This not only empowers us but provides value to many others.
In Peace & Love,
Joseph William
P.S. Let’s use our Attention to Detail by Creating an Online Business that provides Extreme Value to Others. CLICK HERE for All of the Details.
When it comes to attention to detail, we see a lot less of this now than we used to in the past. It is always appreciated when you pay for a service and extra attention to the small things is taken into account. It just makes you feel like you have gotten your money’s worth.
It is not always easy to do this and you are right, you do need to train yourself to do this, as this is not something that comes naturally for most of us. I think it can be very rewarding to be able to give your customers this gift.
Thanks, Michel, your thoughts are most appreciated.
This is a lovely article, and resonates alot with me!
A few of us of senior years, at work talk regularly how we try to be proffessional, in everything we do, without fuss or complaints because we are ‘old school’ and never take time off work, for minor ailments whereas we have come across much younger colleagues who would!
Maybe, most of us have had a much tougher up-bringing, and we strive to do better for our kids, and we are the way we are.
I always make sure I do the upmost best in everything I do, because I’d hate to think anyone would critize my efforts, possibly because I expect the same from others, that’s my take on this, what do you think?
I do like your list to ‘increase attention to detail’, and sometimes we need a reminder of what you mention in certain aspects in our lives.
I have followed the ‘Law of Attraction’ and open up to positivity, and believing what you put out comes back, in many ways.
So becareful what you wish for, say what you want, not what you don’t want!
For those who come across your post will get alot from it, and open them up to improving and believing in themselves!
Keep up the good work.
Julia.😊
Thanks, Julia. I appreciate your thoughts and I do expect the same from others and will do business with people who care about their work and provide excellent customer support as well. Best, Joseph
Hi Joseph,
As an engineer, I LOVE this article and discussing attention to detail.
Since I was 16 years old and started my engineering apprenticeship, I have had it drilled into me (no pun intended) about how important attention to detail is. Especially when I was working on car engine assembly lines, and even more when I was inspecting the car engines before they were passed as a full product.
I was in London having a walk yesterday evening and I walked past a car showroom and they had on show a Formula One car, and I just stopped to have a look at it to admire the attention to detail on it. It really does fill my heart with joy to see things like that, and even more when I read articles like yours.
Keep up the amazing work my friend.
All the best,
Tom
Thanks so much, Tom. Once the idea from my assistant manager sunk in, it made a major difference how I approached all aspects of my life. I really appreciate people who have pride of workmanship attained through attention to detail. All the best, Joseph
Hello Joseph, and it’s a very interesting post about attention to detail because yesterday I was told at the job that I wasn’t paying enough attention to my tasks which really made me think this post helped me have a different mindset about attention!
Today and from now on, I will pay more attention to detail on things in life, especially in my job!
It’s great that the advice from your assistant manager led you to more success in all aspects of life, really!
I also agree that attention to detail is similar to accountability and that distractions can decrease your attention to detail. We need to be focused!
Bruno Santos
Thanks, Bruno. Appreciate your thoughts and insights. It’s funny how a remark that I did not fully take that seriously at the time, made such a major impact in my life moving forward. Experience is a great teacher. All the best. Joseph