An important part of a strong mindset is the ability to focus on what you need to, when you need to. The word “focus” carries weight with it and can be looked at in a number of different ways. In talking about mindset, we will address the three ways you need to focus in order to be successful.
Focus on the Big Picture:
With outcomes you are hoping to achieve, it is important to remember the big (or final) goal. This might be something such as getting a college scholarship, winning a championship, or making a team. It may be reaching a certain weight, or attaining a degree in something that is important to you. Now, even though it is critical to remember your final destination or goal, you don’t want to spend too much time focusing on it. If you do, it could become too daunting because major goals often take time to achieve. Instead, treat these big picture outcomes like pictures in frames. You want to set them on the shelf and take a look at them every now and again to make sure you stay focused on the major outcome. But they should not be the emphasis of your day-to-day focus.
Focus on the Daily Goals:
Focusing on creating and achieving daily goals critical for accomplishing Big Picture goals. Creating daily goals will help you in a few different ways.
1. You will build confidence as you achieve your daily goals. Success breeds success!
2. The goals will appear easier because you are only focusing on what you can control that day.
3. The chance for procrastination is lowered, as there are new goals to achieve each day.
By setting and achieving daily goals, you will be able to keep yourself on track for the final outcome you hope to achieve. This allows you to make tweaks along the way in order to reach the place you hope to go!
Be focused, when you NEED to be:
It is impossible to be laser focused on your goals 100 percent of the time. Your mind needs time to relax and take a break. The skill in this being able to focus when it’s needed most. When you are doing an activity for your goal, make sure you are focused on what you are doing, and be in the moment. By being locked into that moment, you will be able to get as much out of it as possible. Then, when you are done with your activity, you can let your mind rest.
A great way to do this is by focusing your breath. When doing this, you are bringing your mind back to your body and back to the moment. Try this: take a deep breath in through your nose for a count of 6, hold for 2, and then breathe out through your mouth for a count of 7. If you do this 3 times, you will be back in the moment and ready to focus on the task at hand.
By being able to put these 3 types of focus to work for you, goals and the outcomes you desire won’t seem nearly as difficult to achieve. The key is to make sure your focus is where it needs to be, when it needs to be there. Be in the moment as you chase after your dreams!
Enjoy each step of the journey!
Jeff Butorac
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