The capacity to concentrate on a single job feels almost revolutionary in an era of never-ending notifications, continuous scrolling, and incessant digital disruption. We take great satisfaction in our ability to multitask, but at the end of each day, we feel disorganized, unproductive, and mentally exhausted.

But what if the secret to unparalleled success, profound peace, and immense personal power has been hiding in plain sight for over a century?

Early 20th-century thought pioneer William Walker Atkinson explored this very secret in his seminal work, The Power of Concentration. In it, he argues that concentration is not merely a useful skill but the very foundation upon which all personal achievement is built. It is, as he called it, the “master key” that unlocks the door to your latent potential.

What is True Concentration?

Atkinson makes a critical distinction that is more relevant today than ever. Concentration is not the same as hard mental labor or straining your mind. In fact, he describes the state of highest concentration as one of calm, controlled, and focused attention—a state of “passive volition.”

“Concentration is the act of focusing the mind upon a single object, thought, or task, to the exclusion of all else that is irrelevant.”

It’s not about fighting distractions, but about gracefully choosing a point of focus and gently returning to it, training the mind as one would train a muscle. This ability to command your own attention is the source of incredible power.

The Immense Power of a Concentrated Mind

Drawing from Atkinson’s principles, here’s what you gain when you cultivate this power:

1. The Power to Achieve Any Goal

A disorganized mind disperses its energy, according to Atkinson. In the same way that sunlight shining through a magnifying glass might ignite a fire, a focussed mind directs all of your mental energy toward your objective. This laser-like focus clears the way, burns through obstacles, and draws in the opportunities and resources you need to accomplish your goals. You travel in the direction of whatever is in your focused thoughts.

2. The Power of Mastery and Skill

True mastery in any field—be it art, science, sport, or business—requires deep practice. This state of “deep work” or “flow” is impossible without the ability to concentrate for extended periods. Atkinson teaches that concentration allows you to immerse yourself so fully in a task that you absorb its principles intuitively, accelerating your learning and elevating the quality of your work far beyond the average.

3. The Power of Unshakable Will

Your willpower is like a muscle, and every time you consciously focus your attention, you are strengthening it. Each time you choose to read a book instead of picking up your phone, or to complete a report despite your mind wandering, you are performing a “rep” for your will. A strong will, built through concentration, gives you the discipline to break bad habits, build good ones, and follow through on your commitments.

4. The Power of Mental Peace

Perhaps the most valuable benefit in our chaotic world is the peace that comes from a controlled mind. Atkinson noted that a mind that can be focused at will is a mind that is no longer a slave to every passing thought, worry, or external distraction. You become the calm director of your mental theatre, not a frantic actor being pulled in every direction. This control is the very essence of inner peace and resilience.

How to Cultivate Your Power of Concentration (Atkinson’s Way)

Atkinson’s book is filled with practical exercises. Here are two foundational practices to start with:

1. The Exercise of Sitting Still: This seems simple, but it is profoundly powerful. Set a timer for 5-10 minutes. Sit in a chair, perfectly still. Relax your body completely and focus solely on the idea of stillness. Do not fidget, scratch, or shift. This isn’t meditation in the traditional sense; it is a drill for controlling your physical body with your mind, which is the first step to controlling your thoughts.

2. The Exercise of Focusing on a Single Object: Place a simple object (a pen, a candle, a cup) in front of you. For several minutes, focus all your attention on it. Study its shape, color, and texture. When your mind inevitably wanders—to a memory, a sound, a task—gently but firmly bring it back to the object. Do not get frustrated; the act of noticing the distraction and returning to your point of focus is the practice. This trains your mind to obey your command.

Reclaim Your Birthright of Focus

The message of William Walker Atkinson is unmistakable: focus is not a talent bestowed upon a chosen few. Through carelessness and bad habits, we have allowed this natural, fundamental talent to deteriorate.

Making the intentional choice to prioritize mastery over mediocrity, purpose over  apathy, and attention over distraction is the first step towards regaining it. Begin modestly. Develop your mental skills every day. You’ll quickly discover that this age-old ability is the best resource you have for creating the life you want.