Laser Focus

 

“Focus on your goals, not your fear. Focus like a laser beam on your goals.” ~ Roy T. Bennett

I struggled to get out of bed yesterday morning. I mean, really struggled; snooze-the-alarm-5-times kind of struggle. And oh how I ached! Eventually, I called to order the meeting of me, myself, and I, reminded us of the reason for our current project, then finished with a pep talk that got my feet to slide off the bed and the rest to follow.

November is my birthday month. Before it checks out, I will have climbed another rung of this ladder I’m on; clocked another round about the sun. As part of the celebration, I have accepted to participate in a hiking challenge I have been skirting my way around in a very wide circle, for over 7 years on the hiking trails! I figured what better time than this to finally face the giant whose shadow has been giving me nightmares all these years. And for that reason, preparation is key. I will not walk up to my Goliath unprepared.

Being the administrator I am, I decided to tackle the challenge using a multi-pronged approach. This week alone I have 5 different programs running, and a tracking system to ensure I don’t drop the ball on any of them. But yesterday morning my body was already protesting my newfound focus and the determination at which I was moving along in my resolve.

Was the strike unexpected? No. I am sure I have seen nothing yet, as I progress, I expect even more resistance, obstacles, and protestations. And I will be my worst enemy in this race. [Shocked? Don’t be, we all are.]

In that case, what keeps me going? What I’m I focusing on that has me completely riveted, ignoring all protests, forging forward with a bull’s determination? First, the goal is big. If I achieve it, it will be the highlight of my year and a befitting start to a new year. Second, I have memories of times when I worked hard, prepared to the best of my ability then achieved my goals – both on and off the trails. The endorphins from those memories still give me occasional jolts of joy. One more will be a merry affair. Third, I recently wrote about how I was reminded of a hiking fail that I was still sore about several years later – this one will not be one of those. I refuse to casually face another challenge in my path. The shame of trying to find a scapegoat for my failure is too heavy to lag around. If I fail on this one, it will be squarely my fault.

The end. That summit. The triumphant return to the start point, with summit board photos.

Those are the images I am focusing on during the visualization segment of my morning SAVERS (Silence, Affirmations, Visualization, Exercise, Reading, Scribing) practice, as taught by Hal Elrod of ‘The Miracle Morning’.

Nothing gives you a sense of purpose like a goal that is within reach if you only applied yourself to a program of preparation that is entirely doable and within your power. Yes, there is pain along the way. Yes, there are obstacles. You will get tired, sore, bored, even. But keeping an image of the final victory in your mind’s eye can give you wind beneath your wings you never imagined could exist.

What is that goal you’ve had but have been procrastinating on gunning for it? Can you see yourself achieving it? Has anyone else achieved it and shared their story? Can you pick out anything from their account that gets you even a tiny bit excited? Use those sparks to light your fire. Anything you focus on grows and expands, according to Robin Sharma. So where is your laser focus today, this week, this month, and the rest of the year?

I saw an article last night and the last paragraph of that article just had to be shared:

[I also learned that life is very, very short. So, we must not postpone the things we need to do. If your job makes you unhappy, quit. If a relationship is toxic, leave it. If people around you are making you feel bad about yourself, walk away. Surround yourself with people who love and cherish you. Love is very important for human survival, so distribute it freely. Be kind and generous. This thing called life is temporary, so enjoy every moment and live it as if every day is your last.]  The Enemy Within, by Rasna Warah

Maybe your area of focus needs to be your wholeness and wellness. Indeed, your time here is but a wisp of smoke; make it count for something.

“When your clarity meets your conviction and you apply action to the equation, your world will begin to transform before your eyes.” ~ Lisa Nichols