The art of focus - a crucial ability | Christina Bengtsson | TEDxGöteborg

How do you bring out the best in yourself? According to Christina Bengtsson -
Swedish world champion in precision shooting - the answer lies in the word
“focus”. It is a phenomenon she has spent her whole career exploring and she warns us that part of the next generation may not possess this ability. Currently, our intense society keeps vying for our attention via media and technology and this is distracting us from breaking personal records. In this talk, Christina teaches us how to stay present and shares her captivating story of literally going from zero to hero by using the power of focus.
Christina Bengtsson is a world class athlete, author, lecturer, entrepreneur, and
military officer in the Swedish Armed Forces. Her book ”The art of focus - 10,9” gives us tangible advice on how to control our thoughts and stay focused in both our professional and personal life.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@BigPooPooKaka]

The takeaway: -Destroy nervousness in order to focus -Destroy nervousness by taking attention off negative things and worries, and place it on neutral things -Stop looking to future success, look to the now -Focus on one thing, and do it really really well -Play to your strengths -Make a dont-do list Loved her line "...and still today, I can remember that smell of lead and loneliness." Reveals what it takes to be the best! At the end of the day it is not the remarkably insightful which become the world champions, it is the determined and focused.

[@dipanjansaha8399]

Well Summarized

[@nhimai1735]

Thank you

[@rodschmidt8952]

Only from time to time, stop looking to future goals and look to the now. Actually, I would say our sense of future and present time should not binary but a continuum: there are long-term goals and short-term goals, and goals for every timespan you can name; so you can look from the far future (let's go to Mars) to the nearer future (let's launch this rocket) to the more immediate future (let's assemble these components).

[@aqua123670]

thanks

[@mohammedshadab769]

Why not to do list

[@zhangnora1150]

I really love the rhythm and tone of this speaker. Peaceful and confident.

[@lbburgett]

I love her Swedish cadence and tone. It's hypnotic.

[@rodschmidt8952]

I'd like to see her in the kitchen, bork bork bork

[@walterblack8127]

My neighbor sounds exactly like her. Why do Swedes all speak English with that lilting rhythm?

[@smendes2004]

@@rodschmidt8952 I'd like to see you in the kitchen as well...

[@rodschmidt8952]

@@smendes2004 I'd share a kitchen with her

[@SubhaSadiq]

Agreed

[@walterblack8127]

Her point about removing the goal to understand the work in the moment rather than imagining the future is brilliant, as is her second point that if we don't stay focused in the present then we are chasing what we are not, and what we don't have, and our time erodes and our future is stolen from us.

[@christinabengtsson9665]

Thank you Walter for a sharp summary! //Christina

[@jaglinuxmint]

Thank you so much,

[@mclaren6707]

Tyvm

[@Mrs.Graceqmri]

I took great value in this

[@ramyatamminedi626]

Very articulately put! 🙌

[@ammarahrais4546]

Lets all stop and appreciate the brilliance of the script

[@lol_devyn3439]

Exactly. Very well written

[@rodschmidt8952]

Well written AND well spoken. She uses pauses very well. And of course she has excellent body language and poise

[@Anon221BC]

Written with focus i guess.

[@miracle_worker3270]

@@Anon221BC good one

[@minddivesounds5730]

@@rodschmidt8952 Totally agree - a well written script is useless, if delivered poorley!

[@xuhan1981v]

I have experienced the feeling of focus. One day I was studying in library in my University, after I finish solving a hard problem, for just a moment, maybe less than one second, I forget where I am, and i forget what is the time, and forget my friends who come along with me. Soon after that, everything recovers, however, I still remember that strange feeling.

[@acufssdz12]

You were, momentarily, catapulted into the blissful state of "flow", my friend.

[@SofiaMariaVona]

💚😍

[@wisteria1739]

Wow

[@englishscreenshot2536]

oh gr8🔥🔥

[@hamdansyed5772]

What a beautiful moment that would have been :)

[@sharmaluna9794]

Great. She is talking like an artist, though she is an athlete. Her chosen every word precisely flame inspiration .

[@christinabengtsson1]

Thank You Sharma - glad to have you in my "focus network" 🌿

[@holdencampos3949]

Nahh

[@Adhammohammad9672]

@@christinabengtsson1 U r mesmerizing and gorgeous

[@osmarcoelho13]

" No to-do list" is brilliant Cristina. It makes my mind and neurons revolve in full looping around themselves.

[@vikrantsidh3212]

She deserved a standing ovation

[@akhilanand6915]

I'll come back to this video within a year with great change in myself.

[@Arcticninja123]

greatttttttttttttttttttttttTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT

[@VITALSPARKMEDIA]

"Focus, this vital force that brings out the best in us and others, something this world so greatly deserves..." i absolutely loved this talk.

[@sanaaghorbani]

She's so calm and focused that makes me feel relaxed Thank you for the points

[@noneofyourbusiness8252]

Her voice is incredible!

[@ahmedhafez3758]

yes, because she was focused.

[@bikramkgupta]

"It is not so much about prioritizing than prioritizing away". "How to live life without constant feedback (social media) from others". Thank you, Christina, for the amazing and empathetic talk.

[@ElmTheWar]

she looks like she could light a candle by staring at it

[@mattharris2398]

lol love it

[@morpheus6749]

No.

[@Mohannad192]

Looks like she's gonna fart

[@morpheus6749]

No, I said.

[@coolymanman7]

@@morpheus6749 Yes.

[@albertobarriga4309]

The best explanation about Focus that I heard. Eliminate disturbing thoughts, one focus at a time, forget new and better thoughts for now. Focus on your inner core, with your innate skill (learn, listen, empathize). Focus on the here now and not the future. List not-to-do list and refrain from it. You don't need an immediate response. We have to control the pressure intensity of activities of the society and not the activities of the society have to control us. These are the core of Focus.

[@christinabengtsson1]

Dear Alberto, Thank you for seeing the essence of my words and for seeing the value of focus. You conclude my speech and Focus with excellence - well done. I send you warm regards from Sweden, Christina

[@albertobarriga4309]

@@christinabengtsson1 Your presentation at TED was very high level. I appreciate your comment here. I'm from Brazil. Thankful.

[@juhithavaddineni1092]

1.worry/insecurity 2.not working on what we already know but working on what we want to achieve 3.frustated for not having time solution: 1. focus is the ability to choose the right thought among thousands of thoughts distinguish disturbing thoughts from not disturbing thoughts a not disturbing thought knocks out all disturbing thoughts eg:leaf,belt etc 2. stop focusing on goal but focus on the process to achieve when we focus too much on our goals our focus is constantly on the future not on what needs to be done now focus is not about becoming something new or better but is about functioning exactly well as we already are & understanding that this is enough for both general happiness and great achievements 3. do one thing at a time(more possibilities there is more to refrain from) reach inner core which doesn't require constant feedback as a reward(here you have deep contentment) maintain a not to do list

[@vamsikrishna9375]

Awesome

[@stheday1]

Nice summary. Thanks

[@garcand]

Thank you

[@huberylyn6348]

sum ups great

[@souravguharoy7977]

very nice summary, ty.

[@StillnessManifesto]

"Embrace the ability you have within yourself to be able to see the value of a small autumn leaf playing in the wind." 🍂 Great speech! It's all about the present moment 🙌

[@user-xb7vt7pk7l]

"Focus is about choosing the right thought among thousands of thoughts"

[@dericflairmultiverse4952]

her voice is so calming

[@Lexthebarbarian]

Im going to change my life after this. Be more present. Be more here. And be absorbed to what is important.

[@morpheus6749]

lol

[@divykala169]

lol Have you changed your life yet?

[@soulreaperichig0]

How is it going?

[@rodschmidt8952]

And find those autumn leaves to look at

[@devserendipity3063]

So did you do it?

[@giantandomniscientlevitati8969]

Ok, am I the only one who just LOVES her accent and intonation ??

[@debeshkumarmaharana1127]

great speech..living in this moment staying focused without worrying about the result is the key to achieve your goal....

[@itdepends8103]

That's what Lord Shree Krishna spoke to Arjuna in Geeta

[@voloaot2]

The only reason why i watched entire 15 minutes was that I wanted to train myself to focus for 15 minutes. Good job Christina, we made it!

[@christinabengtsson9665]

Hurray Lukasz - we actually made it! I am impressed :)

[@devarchanasarkar1410]

This is perhaps one of the best talk on focus.

[@emmanueleke4020]

7:23 "Focus is simply about choosing the right thought among thousands of thoughts."

[@Pankaj-Verma-]

Had tears of happiness in my eyes while watching this. Simply one of the best Ted talk ever.!

[@chinasacasmir]

I liked the calmness she displayed, while speaking.

[@awfulprogrammer619]

It's 3rd April, 2020.. I am coming back here in 5 years with my speech on TEDx Talk and becoming a man enough to prove my inner instinct. Wish me a good luck to bring change in myself and this world.

[@AparnaMuktibodh]

What a brilliant talk, I'm so glad i came across this. It's full of quotables and wisdom you can apply in your life with immediate effect. If you struggle with remaining focused, I highly recommend listening to this talk the first thing in the morning and persisting with this ritual until the message is seared into your subconscious!

[@pratikshagarode3669]

I really watch this in the morning before making my to do list and also 'no to do list' and sometimes before going to the bed too. It it benefiting me very much. I too highly recommend this to everyone.

[@RezNou]

I appreciate the way you have appreciated this talk, cheers!

[@fauzannrifai]

Choosing the right thought at the moment is the most well-defined what the focus is.

[@christinabengtsson9665]

Dear Fauzann, you certainly got the essence of my words - they are very well selected :) Regards from Christina

[@fauzannrifai]

@@christinabengtsson9665 thank you so much, your words is so beautiful ✨

[@juanl5012]

I am just like a small autumn leaves playing in the wind. Lovely!

[@christinabengtsson9665]

Juan, thank you - yes, I enjoy bringing in perfection and art also into the words I chose - very glad that you see the essence in focus and in my work. I believe our world is in (urgent) need of focus - it will be my mission to help coming generations to learn how to protect this innate skill :) //Christina, Sweden

[@thelawman789]

Christina Bengtsson you are a true inspiration to all those fortunate enough to have made contact with you. Focus is a dying art that we have a responsibility to restore and pass on to this and future generations. I feel so lucky to have "met" you today via Ted and KZbin. Thank you so much Christina.

[@DialloThierno-k2x]

Brilliant definition of focus! Absolute gem

[@luckyadeloye3452]

Well said! There is no life in the past and in the future. Life is only in the now. And energy flows in the direction of focus.

[@salmankhan-yw8oc]

lucky adeloye Dandapani!

[@LeBrow420]

What about the leaning from the past and vision the future?

[@morpheus6749]

You just contradicted yourself. If there is a "flow" then there is *necessarily* a past AND a future. FAIL.

[@cappsbriley]

Morpheus such an odd man

[@abbyammo9638]

There is a life in the future. Through the Lord Jesus Christ who loves you and gave his life for you to cleanse your sins, you can inherit eternal life and after death have eternal peace, joy, love and everything that we are not even aware that we need. Jesus Loves you believe in him. Read the Bible😁😊❤️❤️❤️🙏🏾

[@sediye]

My new HERO.

[@carroll6]

I like her manner of speaking.. it is better than the others.

[@certoipus]

hehe, for me its horrible, she's like a robot :D

[@devynescatell8906]

Great speech. Christina is like a highly trained Bond villain.

[@willegg8436]

Ddude she’s so relaxing wtf

[@amtulbari4063]

The way u speak itself proved how focused personality u r & how well u apply it in ur life.. Thanks for a better glimpse of what focus is..

[@peacear]

From my prospective, I summarized it differently for myself: 1. Distinguish what is disturbing 1. You are good enough - as a person to do what you need to do. 2. You are good enough - as a person to be proud of. Others: -It’s normal to behave differently, especially when the world has changed a lot. -Focus on one thing, and do it really really well -Play to your strengths

[@chiefjaphet7067]

She has well summarized the concept of focus

[@hiteshkaushik4613]

She is extremely calm and focused.

[@lookwhoshere2997]

How is she that good at speaking I mean those expressions are flawless!

[@christinabengtsson9665]

Thank you - I do select words quite well. I think before I speak :) Thank you for encouraging words //Christina

[@followyourideas]

Can you imagine being able to laser focus on one thing until you finish it? that's a superpower.

[@bethechange3576]

i enjoyed the tone of this speaker . so beautiful and peaceful.

[@growing367]

**All my notes regarding with Christina** Focus is choosing the one, right thought among thousands of thoughts. 1. Notice disturbing thoughts and separate them from the "not disturbing" thoughts. Neutral thoughts like a lamp or a dot. 2. Focus is knowing that we already are and understanding this is already enough for both happiness and great achievements. 3. The more possibilities, the more there is to refrain from. Make a Not-To-Do List, and your brain will automatically shift in focus 4. Learn to direct our attention inwards, to our inner core. To that which doesn’t need a constant response. *Her other speech video* 2:13 It's all about the thoughts you think, why you think them, and to ignore the distracting thoughts. 3:38 Why we lose focus. Outer and Inner distractions 4:20. 6:28 Find out what is important, and what is not important. Find out your core identity and stick to that. 6:57 Focus on the process, and on the long term. 8:50 See how much we don't need. 9:40 4 Tips -- 1. Sharpen your mind and Mark your distractions. 2. Reinforce your ability to ignore them. 3. Find your inner core identity, what's important for you. 4. Decide what Not To Do. Make a Not-To-Do List.

[@christinabengtsson9665]

Exactly!

[@BluePhoenix714]

@@christinabengtsson9665 Thank you for the great TED talk! It really cleared up a lot of things about focus. But I didn't understand the inner focus point. Is meditation an example of it? Could you please elaborate?

[@modernmira6577]

I Love this woman!!

[@devynescatell8906]

One of the best Ted Talks I've ever heard. Thank you.

[@christinabengtsson9665]

My warm regards to You Devyn - thank you for seeing the essence of my words //Christina

[@mohamedmakram5555]

I feel that her way in speaking is amazing and simple

[@christinabengtsson9665]

Simplicity - thank you Mohamed!

[@seponda1]

wow! "Focus is what brings the best out of us and the others... what the world deserves!" what a compelling and strong way to finish your talk Christina... my respect to you and this amazing talk

[@christinabengtsson9665]

Thank you Susana for seeing the essence of my work and of my words - makes me very glad

[@somuchinfo4879]

thank you Christina Bengtsson and TEDx talks

[@irabast7742]

The fact that she's so focused makes her speech great.

[@spendingawareness3698]

The statement "Focus is simply choosing the right though among thousands of thoughts" is really connecting with me because often when the time comes to execute, I though about not being good enough or not doing the right thing and many other things but I've also experienced times when I don't think of anything else but the task at hand and I can remember those times as productive and enjoyable. Focus by choosing the right though is a simple task but very hard to do.

[@amandanasciba]

This is one of the most enlightening TED Talks that I have ever watched. I have always struggled with focusing. Understanding how the mind works is really helpful for me to be more aware of what steps to take once the disturbing thought come up!

[@juanl5012]

I am in love with the pause when you talk!

[@christinabengtsson9665]

Ha, ha, how great and fine - lovely! Silence and calmness is a huge part of my everyday life as well : ) On stage, it actually is powerful (if it is authentic)...

[@wisteria1739]

One of the best TedxTalks I would say.Hats off!

[@christinabengtsson9665]

Oh my, thank you for your words Wisteria and for encouraging me and my mission on helping people reclaiming their focus - globally! Glad you saw the depth of the speech, Warm regards Christina

[@BlazenRuhel]

Is this what a guardian angel sounds like?? Cause her voice had the same intensity as a warm blanket on a chilly afternoon

[@christinabengtsson1]

Love your comment 🌿 Warm regards from Sweden //Christina

[@vikash9619]

Beautiful autumn leaves playing in the wind.

[@hokage5619]

I like her accent and the way she speaks. One of the best Tedx talks. 🙏🏻

[@AK-qm8uw]

I come back to watch this video so many times. She is such a great speaker

[@christinabengtsson9665]

Thank you - your words makes me very glad A K //Christina

[@HighEndDigitalArchitect]

This was an interesting video and three ways of our brain getting distractions. The key fact from there for me is the separation of distracting thoughts from the other. Focus is like a muscle, we need to train it. Before I though that just knowing about will be supportive but remember that "thought" without an action is like a bird in the cage. Looks good but won't travel the world.

[@kingslyamalanathan983]

Christina Bengtsson nailed it !

[@christinabengtsson9665]

Hurray, thank you! @KingslyAmalanathan

[@waqas1001]

Absolutely brilliant! She articulated everything with such great aplomb and confidence. Almost every point she made was worth noting. Her focused way of speech was a great example of what she was saying in itself.

[@ristonbuttello8771]

I have never come across a more articulate and methodical understanding of how to focus.

[@christinabengtsson9665]

Thank you Riston - I appreciate your words and I am glad you get the essence of mine! Christina

[@lawrasvlogs2579]

Stop reading the comments Concentrate on the speech 👆🏻😁😁😁🤪

[@nego_majorem]

🤣👍

[@bollywoodtalks3043]

😀😀😀

[@Nophreetime]

Hahaa... Caught me. She pauses too much for my bunny-hop brain.

[@sarahstewart1489]

😂💥

[@JoseMartinez-pn9dy]

Ya got me...

[@TheWisdomLibraryOfficial]

Where the focus goes energy flows....

[@johnnytan9438]

This is the most engaging talk I have ever seen in my life.

[@weili1963]

Focus is about choosing the right thought and functioning exactly as well as we already are; this vital force, is what brings out the best in ourselves.

[@christinabengtsson9665]

Wei, I am glad to see that you get the essence of my words and that you see the value of a focused mindset!

[@weili1963]

@@christinabengtsson9665 thanks for teaching

[@noneofyourbusiness8252]

A TED talk meant to be savoured.

[@sinamoradi2986]

The best speaker that I have saw.

[@christinabengtsson1]

Thank you so much dear Sina, I appreciate that you write these kind words, Warm regards from Sweden Christina

[@SaravanaKumar-kf8su]

Great speech on to avoid attachment to results and focus on execution

[@SteveLegg-gv2mo]

I think Christina states this much deeper message simply and effectively. Well worth paying attention to and embedding in one's life.

[@christinabengtsson9665]

Thank you Steve - you certainly get the essence of my words, and work. You know, in a world competing for attention at every turn and where people’s impaired ability of self-control is being exploited, I am committed to illuminate the value of focus and the impact it has on an individual and societal level. I believe it’s time to reclaim our focus and treat our attention with respect! Warm regards from Sweden //Christina

[@Chucks_world]

I repeated every single of the point till I focus and got the message,she’s really a talented person ,when it comes to teaching

[@jacquiharris9806]

This is an amazing talk. Had to keep stopping it to write down lots of quotes to keep this in mind.

[@adityapandey7746]

TEDx brings quality

[@omarortiz3968]

I get it. Now I will do it, baby steps, thank you Christina.

[@artflakes9584]

“The light in oneself “a book by Krishnamurti exactly what she says.great speech thanks

[@11YoursTruly11]

I created a new playlist and named it "Me" and saved all inspiring videos .. without watching and I kept doing that. Today as I skipped going to library. Decided to watch.. As she said we only thinking about future and not working on today's work. As Buddha said without worrying about future and thinking about past, focus on this moment nd work!!!

[@marcs7847]

Making a "Not to Do" List... That's just crazy enough to work! ("Do not Binge for more than an hour on Ted Talks when you are supposed to be writing or working." Gotta try that tomorrow.

[@Amsire1]

You are amazing Christina...

[@christinabengtsson9665]

Maria, it is an art... you know... Thank you for noting important words and for seeing the value in what I do //Christina

[@AmbiCahira]

I learned focus through 2 things. 1 the recognition that those thoughts can be thought about later, and 2 write down those I am afraid to forget. Then of course practice holding the ability over a duration of time such as reading or meditation but as long as you feel your thoughts are important you will not let them go.

[@jaglinuxmint]

This is great idea!

[@glennloucks7885]

Taking bits and pieces from TEDx talks is like putting together puzzle that will help me to become more enlightened human being 😊. I valued her speech.

[@christinabengtsson9665]

Thank You Glenn - keep up the good work! Christina

[@vanessablanc2074]

I like the idea of a “not to do” list!

[@hussainishehu8445]

Right?

[@Bluntobject]

I'd rather not think about what not to do at a time of pressure.

[@walterblack8127]

That was an innovative perspective.

[@adityadubey7596]

Me too

[@shadhirjannath2495]

Focus: a skill that the world is in need more than ever!

[@anatoliyrubanenko7277]

The intervals between her words made me be able to focus on what's she's saying really well

[@christinabengtsson9665]

Tony, well done - there is of course a reason why I sometimes have a low space speaking :) Good luck, and thank you for your comment! //Christina

[@anatoliyrubanenko7277]

@@christinabengtsson9665 I have noticed when I read the way that you talk I am able to understand more of what I read and not get distracted by other thoughts since I'm busy understanding the few words instead of trying to make sense of the whole sentence at once.

[@christinabengtsson9665]

@@anatoliyrubanenko7277 Great explained - I understand. Perhaps we all should talk a bit more slow sometimes? Wish you a good day //Christina

[@sarast7768]

I have a shooting competition in few days and I was thinking about focus when I found this video in recommendations. It helped me a lot! Thank you so much

[@christinabengtsson9665]

Sara, tell me how it goes and how you feel!

[@abhijithalder7094]

Deep, concise, and powerful words....I will try to keep these thoughts in my mind.

[@AdriftHuman-c3d]

Focus - choosing the right thought among the 1000

[@jfrym4754]

Great talk and delivery, loved her delivery and.....focus!

[@kemalunal4776]

I am going to watch this video every day until the next week to understand and memorize these and to see this beautiful lady.

[@christinabengtsson9665]

Hi Kemal, what a great comment! Thank you - I will send you an extra thought every day until next week then :) Christina

[@kemalunal4776]

You are the best, thank you!

[@nobertstanel9428]

Very good points. Very charming and beautiful woman. Nice tone & pitch , Thank you TedX and Christina Bengtsson.

[@kforest2745]

Saw this already but I don’t think people worry about anything but themselves since they take so much for granted. I agree with her definition for long-term focus though and directing attention inwards been doing it all my life never gave a damn what anyone thinks self confidence is innate it makes no sense to care what others think since they take it all for granted anyway

[@jamesbrad7182]

Amazing talk. Thank you for sharing your wisdom and experience ❤

[@fira3381]

There was so much peace in her talk, it really grabbed me and made me to sit down in quiet and well... ohh ironi - focus

[@458scuderia]

I never imagined I would see Sniper Wolf in real life !

[@rbg7408]

You didn't just talk about focus but demonstrated it to your audience with your captivating choice of words from the beginning to the end of your speech. Much love from Philippines :)

[@NnaemekaAmamasi]

Jesus... what an intelligent and fantastic human being!!!

[@christinabengtsson9665]

Thank you Emeka !

[@RamRam-eq1ds]

Sharp as a needle tip ! FOCUSED

[@eklim2034]

I can listen to this talk a thousand times

[@missmoon9978]

If you're watching the video in your phone and scrolling at the comments at the same time, pause the video and continue watching in full screen so you won't get distracted.

[@parulsingh8512]

"Enormous problem" One solution - FOCUS 💡

[@christinabengtsson9665]

Excellent! Thank you Parul //Regards from Sweden

[@okn22921]

She has such a systematic syntax and way of speaking. I liked it though.