Human beings need several elements to perform a task effectively, from learning a song to mastering theoretical or physical disciplines. Among these elements, one of the most important, after having the necessary willpower, is the ability to concentrate, since without it, we cannot fully utilize our mental capacities. This is why it is of great importance to develop the habit of concentration to achieve better results in our actions, in the shortest possible time.

To achieve our aspirations, human beings need something vital at all times and in all places: concentration of purpose, thought, feeling, and action. Through concentration, the mind and body learn to act together, without wasting physical or mental energy. This is the ideal state that allows for the prediction of certain success.

With persevering practice, we will learn to master our minds, so that we can maintain fixed concentration for some time on a single line of thought. Fixing the mind on a single point, without wandering and without giving in to distractions caused by external objects, the activity of the senses, or the mind itself; this is concentration.

To concentrate on an idea or thing is to place it before our attention and contemplate it, in whole or in part, drawing out even the smallest details. Concentration is an act; it is synchronizing thought with action, avoiding any waste of physical or mental energy. The flow of thought follows a certain disposition or tendency. This tells us that success in achieving a goal lies in knowing how to establish a permanent disposition in the right direction. Once this is achieved, even the most adverse and trivial events will be assimilated in favor of achieving our goals.

The beginning of their learning lies in the daily practice of the simplest acts. From today, begin to think about all the little things, without wasting your attention on idle thoughts, emotions, or actions. Don’t do anything while thinking about something else, always remembering that thought and action must go together so closely that they leave no room for interference. Major harmful activities should also be banned. Some of these include: staying up late in the morning, wasting time at night, eating more than necessary, struggling to get something you don’t need, etc. You should also avoid, as much as possible, all bodily excitement and all nervous or muscular tension.

Little by little, and with progressively increasing time devoted to them, these bad habits, which are difficult to eradicate suddenly, will disappear and be condemned to a healthy oblivion. Below, you will find some exercises you can practice daily that will be a valuable contribution to your mental and physical development. Find an appropriate place for them. Your body is an emotional record that records your own beliefs and impressions. Command it to relax, and it will obey. As for your mind, free it from the irritability of daily life; it will greatly contribute to your improved concentration.

CONCENTRATION EXERCISES.

1st Exercise.
In a suitable place where no one will disturb you, take a clock and place it as far from your ear as possible, but still allow you to hear the ticking of its machine. Close your eyes and concentrate on this noise for as long as you can. This may not be possible at first, but gradually your power of concentration will increase. Think of the clock and don’t let it out of your mind for a moment. Think of its external configuration, then go to the structure of its machinery, see the parts moving, without wasting a moment.

Practice this exercise at least once a day.

2nd Exercise.
Sit quietly in your room and observe carefully. In strict order, look at what is in front of you. From left to right, carefully observe the objects attached to the wall, the furniture, and the objects in between. Look at them carefully, one by one, taking in as much detail as possible regarding shapes, colors, contours, location, etc. Now close your eyes and describe each of the things you saw in as much detail as possible. Now move to the right wall and do the same, then to the other, and then the other. The ceiling and floor will be easier, but you won’t lose sight of them. Now leave your room. Concentrate again in the same order in which you saw them and review all the things inside.

Practice this exercise often because it is especially useful. In the office, do it with the things on your desk. When you go to the office, you can observe the houses or businesses on a block and describe them mentally afterward.

3rd. Exercise.
This time, you will practice with abstract things, events you have experienced yourself. Take yesterday, for example, and imaginatively recall the entire experience you have had since you woke up that morning. Follow each incident step by step, trying to relive it in detail as perfectly as possible. Concentrate completely, and if your mind wanders at any point due to distraction, start over from the beginning. Remain calm and phlegmatic, show no signs of impatience or discontent, and resist all external thoughts.

There are other exercises you can practice to improve concentration and change behavior patterns. Practice these exercises as often as possible; you will notice that you will quickly acquire mastery over your body and your actions, ignoring external events at will.

It’s worth it.