Ever wonders how secret service agents can stand on post for three hours and not let their minds wander? They’re busy talking mental snapshots of their surroundings and picking out anyone who could pose a problem. They train to stay focused, and so can you with this exercise:
Place a deck a playing cards on a table. As quickly as possible, flip over one card at a time. When you come to a nine, lay it down to the right of the jack. When you come to a three, lay it down to the right of the nine. Toss all other cards over your shoulder—you’re not concerned about them. Shuffle, and start again.
“It’s impossible to think about anything else when you’re doing this.” Your mind is totally focused on looking at each card and staying in the now. Just as it should be when you’re in a scary situation.
Place a deck a playing cards on a table. As quickly as possible, flip over one card at a time. When you come to a nine, lay it down to the right of the jack. When you come to a three, lay it down to the right of the nine. Toss all other cards over your shoulder—you’re not concerned about them. Shuffle, and start again.
“It’s impossible to think about anything else when you’re doing this.” Your mind is totally focused on looking at each card and staying in the now. Just as it should be when you’re in a scary situation.
