Focus

Ours is a world dominated by modern societies wherein we are constantly bombarded with a plethora of choices for whatever whim crosses our consciousness. In a typical morning, for instance, we are likely to awaken to informational choices coming from: TV, radio, papers, magazines, and the Internet, to name a few. Add to these the options of cable vs. network, local vs. national, national vs. global, etc.

Other choices involve more mundane aspects of our lives, such of coffee vs. tea, cereal vs. toast, eggs vs. bacon. Other more complicated choices concern our life companion, our profession, our place of work, and our neighborhood.

These choices become important to us because they inform our understanding of who we are, and their consequences will contribute to, or detract from, our peace of mind.

Let’s face it, whether we like it or not, in life we have to make choices. Given the importance of the choices we make and the effects they bring upon others, and us, our challenge is to train ourselves to remain focused. The accessibility to modern communication gadgets only increases our inability to stay focused; at every moment we are bombarded with so much information “concerning our lives” it becomes almost impossible to keep up. We run around in frustration trying to stay up to date with the latest trend in this or that or the other.

What to do? You ask.

How can I focus when I’m constantly bombarded with so many distractions?

Is there anything I can do to resolve this situation?

Try starting by identifying your priorities.  Make it manageable, start with three to five priority areas you want to focus your attention on this day.

Once you’ve identified your priority areas, create a plan of action.

Implement your action plan by taking specific actions, steps to address your priorities.

Lastly, at your day’s end, take stock of your accomplishments in your priority areas.

Over time this simple practice will reacquaint you with your ability to focus. This in turn, will allow you to make more informed decisions.  The satisfaction you derive from making more informed decisions will give you a real sense of control and accomplishment.  You will become more adept at chipping away at the excesses dominating your daily routines.

Remember, who you are today is a result of the choices you’ve made.  In other words, as you stay focused on your priorities, the choices you make will enable you to live the life you want and to manifest the person you know yourself to be. Stay focused, and then let’s talk about you!