Focus is bringing our entire being and attention to the work at hand. Whether it be speaking to someone, playing a sport, reading an article, watching a movie or attending to our responsibility.
This powerful ability changes the quality of what we do, impacting the quality of our life. The rays of the sun, passing through glass will warm the paper beneath. But the same glass when shaped differently as a magnifying glass, converging the rays of the sun burns the paper. We too we must develop the ability to converge our thoughts to be single-pointed. Only then will the true power be felt.
And yet, why is it we tend to lose focus. Why do we find ourselves making mistakes due to lack of attention. Why do we revisit the same issue repeatedly which could have been done well the first time around. Why is it we often feel dissatisfied with our work, even though others appreciate it. Why does focus come and go.
We compromise our focus by trying to multi-task. Taking on too many things in life, starting with enthusiasm but leaving things incomplete. Allowing ourselves to be pulled away due to distractions and taking our eye off our work and worrying about the results.
We build our focus when we are convinced that the quality of our life lies in how we do things. The discipline follows conviction. It’s doing one thing at a time, but doing it the best we can. The tennis legend Bjorn Borg’s coach had given him very sound advice – You are not playing to win a five-set match, you are plying to win one point at a time.
Inspiration builds focus. If we are only inspired with the result, we will drop our focus once we achieve it or be constantly anxious thus losing focus. But if our inspiration comes from doing things well, our focus is sustained. Having set the goal, shifting our focus to the journey is key.
No matter how good the camera or photographer, an out of focus picture doesn’t look good. So too with our lives. When we lose focus, no matter how beautiful the world is, to us the picture doesn’t look good. The world is a reflection of our mind. Our inner focus helps better the picture.
When each experience, accepted with humility and responsibility is given our entire mind space, we are in a state of enthusiastic attention. And such a mind is capable of the extraordinary. We just need to Focus.
Practical, insightful and centering
Love the picture! Love this line even more…❤️ “When each experience, accepted with humility and responsibility is given our entire mind space, we are in a state of enthusiastic attention”
Well said!
Detachment from the outcome and focusing on the journey is the key to success. When we become invested in the results of our efforts, we lose focus in mindfully taking each step that will enable us to reach our destination. The majority of the mistakes we make are a result of getting distracted and shifting focus from the task at hand here and now.
Thanks for that Sucheeta. All pictures in the reflections are personal to me, either a place where I live, have visited or have been associated with.
Very true Zenobia, the ” here and now ” is a very powerful concept. thank you for reminding us of that !
So true, Vivek!
Multitasking and thinking about the result of our actions have been the greatest bane…..
Joined Medical College. Music, Sports, Drama. Failed in Anatomy. Reason. During dissection of body, a friend and I, would rehearse for our next stage play. Bajrang, my room-mate said, “Raj, Music etc. will help you in life. Come. Let’s ‘Focus with Fun’.” Then, there was no going back. Thanks Bajrang and now Vivek.
Dr. Anand
Deeper understanding with simple language