Focusing on Just One Thing

Picture this.  You just unloaded clothes from the dryer and you're heading down the hallway to your bedroom or living room to sort and fold.  If you're not transporting the clothes in a basket, inevitably you will drop something -- a sock or someone's unmentionables perhaps. So, what do you do? Even though you're already struggling to hold everything, you'll attempt to pick up that fallen article.  You don't fold the clothes and then go back for it;  you go get it right away.  Your focus becomes that ONE thing.  It's not that the other things aren't important; but that ONE occupies your mind.  

Over the last few weeks, I've been planning my wedding.  Most everything in my life is managed in terms of how it aligns, conflicts, or helps with that event.  Homecoming is post-wedding.  The yard sale is pre-wedding.   But, the impending marriage is the focus.  Everything else simply falls somewhere around it.   The other things are important and I can give them attention as needed, but they are not my main focus.

We as humans tend to focus on one thing; even though we attempt to multitask we tend to have one track minds.   Think about the last time you were doing more than one thing simultaneously.  You might be washing dishes while talking to a friend on the phone.  In that case your probably paying attention to the phone conversation and not focusing on the dishes.  Two things that require your full attention wont equitably coexist.  That's why we shouldn't text while driving.  We can't be attentive to both at the same time -- We have one track minds.  

Since we function best with one focus at a time, I challenge you to concentrate on just one thing.  What is the one thing you should  accomplish, improve or complete?  There may be several, but truthfully you can't focus on them all at once.  You need to achieve one thing, check it off the list, and move on to the next big thing.  Whether its procrastinating less, reading more, or working out more often, you need to focus on the one thing and make it your priority. Continually look for ways, moments, and resources to work at that one thing.  Don't forgot about those other important tasks, jobs, and roles, but keep your focus.  

And, give it your all!

What Entrepreneurs Have In Common

What does it take to be a successful entrepreneur and do you have what it takes?  Well, it depends on how you measure success first of all.  Nationwide, entrepreneurs earn about $44,000 in annual revenue. Business ownership is not a get-rich-quick career move.  In fact, most entrepreneurs never get rich. 

Nevertheless, entrepreneurial benefits are more than just financial. In surveys, many of them site a sense of accomplishment, fulfillment, and autonomy as rewards they enjoy as independents.  

Here are some other attributes they tend to have in common.

Entrepreneurs:

1.  Manage money wisely.

2. Do what they love.


3.  Take their work seriously.


4.  Plan ahead and stay organized.
5.  Ask for what they want.


If you are considering stepping out on your own, ask yourself if you have these competencies.  If not, are you willing to discipline yourself to improve your performance in these area?  

Focus on what is life changing not eye pleasing

There is a truism that states that people tend to think more highly of things which are comely.  Comely is an obsolete Latin term which means 'pleasing in appearance' or simply attractive.   We don’t care for the unattractive parts of life however it’s those parts which we should give the most thought, time, and attention.  Those are the most important parts – the parts that make our bodies, the world and most everything in it, functional and relevant.  It’s the inside of the human body that is messy and unattractive; but everything in there – the heart, lungs, blood, muscles, and tissues, keep the body alive.  The inside of a car -- the engine, transmission, fluids, battery, etc— is dirty and oily.  It’s certainly not as sleek, shiny, or sculpted as the car’s body.  But without those inner workings, the car would be a useless shell.   

As that adage claims the parts that are less comely, we should treat with special honor.   Those are the parts that have a more abundant purpose than the attractive parts which “have no need.”  We have to learn to honor those things which are honorable.  They may not be as beautiful to look at, or as fun to experience, but they are important – even essential. 

Our trials in life are difficult and undesired.  But they are most important than the easy, breezy times.  Through those trials we learn our virtues, establish our values, and gain life-changing lessons. 

Our failures are no fun either.  We can leverage them, however, to lead us to future successes.

There is more to be learned from our losses than from our wins.  Our wins are validating and they feel good.  But our losses go so much further to confirm our endurance and purpose, as well as strengthen our hope and courage.

You may think your best feature is your beautiful smile, or an great pair of legs.  But, you can live without those.  You couldn't survive without your heart and mind.  Therefore, those are the parts you should nourish and treasure.