Robbins says, “Wherever focus goes, energy flows.” In other words, whatever is big in our mind gets most of the attention.
That makes sense to me. It’s a call to make sure our priorities are straight. The good news is that, if we set clear goals for ourselves, we can’t help but be working toward them. If we’re outlining short-term, medium-term, and long-term outcomes, in our Believe in More Action Guides, maybe, that focus will direct our efforts and our labor.
On the other hand, if we’re distracted, then there’s not much we can do to bring our energy back into focus.
Make What’s Important Actually Important
Distraction is a monster that eats our time and energy. When I mention distractions, I don’t mean the small moments we take for ourselves. The ten minutes spent reading celebrity gossip. The extra cup of coffee on the couch with the dog. I mean the distractions like worry and fear, the weights that sit on our minds and refuse to let us move forward.
These are the distractions that call us to move our focus, move our energy, away from positive thoughts and changes that help us grow. These are dangerous distractions.
I try to keep my focus on what’s really important. It’s true: sometimes there are things at the office that need my attention. People rely on me to make good decisions at work. If I ignore my responsibilities there, people I care about will suffer. But work isn’t my only priority, and most of the time, it’s not my biggest.
I schedule time for family, friends, and faith. It’s ok to actually put these things in a scheduler or planner. If they’re important, why wouldn’t you put them on the calendar? Why are we sometimes hesitant to put the truly important things in our schedule?
I think it’s because we’re sometimes embarrassed to admit we have to schedule family time. Or that we shouldn’t have to actually write down an “appointment” for silent personal meditation. But if these things are important, we should make them important.
Finding Time
We talk a lot about “finding time” to do this or that.
I’d learn to cook healthy meals if I could only find the time.
If I could find the time, I’d take that community college course I know I’d enjoy.
I’d really love to have lunch with my good friend if I could only find the time.
When we can’t “find time,” it isn’t because time is hidden somewhere. Time is a treasure, but it’s not buried. We’ll find it if we actually go looking for it.
Where you put your focus is where you send your energy. I challenge you to reflect on your focus. Are you putting it where it belongs? If not, what’s holding you back?
Until next time.
Jack Fallon
