Attention Quote by Price Pritchett
“...Force yourself to use the optimist's explanatory style: 'The situation is temporary. The effect will be limited, not pervasive. And it's due to external causes.' If you just can't make that work for you, refocus your attention...Turn your attention in a totally different direction for the time being. Replace the distressing thoughts with other ideas. Distract yourself.”
About This Quote
Source Book: The Power of Focus, 2012
Adopt an optimistic explanatory style, view problems as temporary, caused by external factors, and shift attention to other ideas to reduce distress.
In simple terms: See problems as temporary and external, then distract yourself.
Key Takeaway
Use optimism and distraction to manage stress.
Themes
optimism
cognitive reframing
distraction
Mood
pragmatic
calming
Type
self‑help
psychological
When to use this quote
- exam preparation
- public speaking
- conflict resolution
- personal setbacks
Key Concepts
Psychology
stress management
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- What temporary perspective can you apply to a current stress?
- Which alternative activity helps you shift focus?
A Different Perspective
May not address underlying issues requiring direct resolution.
![“I went to a mosque in Philadelphia with [my wife] in December 24, 1999. And we we went to this mosque in Philly, and I just had such a strong reaction to the prayer. And I was really emotionally - I felt really grounded at that time. And so to be in this prayer and the imam is doing the prayer in…” quote by Mahershala Ali](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/d31/mahershala-ali-6687_attention_i-went-to-a-mosque-in-philadelphia-with_3083.jpg)
