Finding Focus
I’ve been contemplating this post for a couple weeks now. I decided when I wrote the last blog, Are You Balanced?, that I would write about focus on the next one because they complement each other. The problem is that I’ve been hesitant and really lacking focus when it comes to the subject. The irony is not lost on me here. I was getting frustrated because I couldn’t understand why the words weren’t flowing like they should. Why can’t I just sit down and focus on this message? I searched for words, but I kept coming up empty, so I started making up excuses to not sit down and put pen to paper (Yes, I write stuff out before I type it). I finally decided that I wasn’t having a hard time with the word focus, but in the delivery of its purpose.
The word focus has a few definitions in terms of Geology, Medicine, Geometry and Linguistics, and can be a noun or a verb. What is it about this word, focus, that can trip us up and even impede progress? I know focus is crucial for attaining any goal. Without it, we wouldn’t be able to accomplish much and would end up floundering. For this post, I will concentrate on two of it’s definitions. 1. (noun) The main or central point of something, especially of attention or interest, and 2. (verb) To direct attention toward something or someone.
Don't Lose Sight
Whatever we are searching for, we will find. If we are constantly focused on the negative, that is what we will experience. Whatever consumes our thoughts will drive our actions. Look around you right now and try to find anything red. Now, look around and discover anything that is yellow. You probably didn’t notice the yellow things when you were focused on finding the color red, and vice versa. We see this example with optimists and pessimists as well. There is the glass half full or half empty scenario that changes our perception. I believe the reason it’s hard to stay on track of our goals is that we have made our focus (noun) on the wrong things so that our focus (verb) is driven in the wrong direction. Do you need to change your focus?
So, how do we stay on track? By avoiding or downgrading the things that will destroy or slow down our progress. How do we measure this? Ask yourself these questions:
- Does it get me closer to my goal?
- Does it cause me anxiety?
- Is it helpful to my cause or my well-being?
When we bring into focus the things that are causing a breakdown in our progress, such as spending too much time on social media, listening to negative talk from others and ourselves, or not having a clear goal set, we can push past the stagnancy and start realizing our true potential.
“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable- if anything is excellent or praiseworthy- think about such things.” -Philippians 4:8
How do we turn the focus noun into the focus verb? We put into actions our good intentions. Set a goal, write it down, plan it, out and focus on (bring in to view) the end result. Try not to let distractions get the best of you, but when they do, calm your mind until you can see the progress.
How to Focus When it Doesn't Come Easy?
Easier said than done, right? Sure, I’ll just focus and get stuff done. Believe me, as someone with ADD, it isn’t always easy to stay focused on the task at hand, but it can be done. There is a famous saying, let me know if you have heard it, . Just Do It! This is the world renowned Nike’s slogan. It wouldn’t have the same effect if it was Just Do It, When You Feel Like it! We can’t always wait for gumption to strike before we get on with it. We may not always feel like cleaning, doing laundry, or going to a dr.’s appointment, but we know if we don’t do these things, we won’t have clean clothes, our houses would be filthy and our health would be at risk. We do these things out of necessity. Is it a necessity to have goals and a sound mind? I think so. Setting goals are joined with higher motivation, self-esteem, self-confidence, and autonomy (PositivePsychology.com, Locke and Lathan, 2006). If we don’t focus our energy into accomplishing the steps it takes to reach our goals, then they will never be attained.
So how do we get on with it, then? Jerry Sternin said, “It’s easier to act your way into a new way of feeling than to feel your way into a new way of acting.” In other words, renew your mind. This has to be done consistently. Self-encouragement can go a long way. We don’t encourage our children once and never again give any praise for good behavior. The need for praise and knowing you have done excellent work doesn’t go away when we reach adulthood. Employees tend to perform better when given positive reinforcement from their boss and colleagues from time to time. We crave feedback and rely on confirmations to let us know we are doing a good job and to keep us performing equal to or better than we currently are. Paul J. Meyer said, “Productivity is never an accident. It is always the result of a commitment to excellence, intelligent planning, and focused effort.” We develop good habits by following our heads instead of our feelings. This must be done daily, step by step, to stay congruent with our goals. ..”But be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” Romans 12:2 (ESV)
When we learn to focus on the good and on achieving our goals, our attentions and our actions will be in balance.
Ask yourself every morning "what will I pay attention to today?" Is what I'm focusing on moving my life forward in some way?
