Goals- Focus
Quotes
Lack of direction, not lack of time, is the problem. We all have twenty-four hour days.”Zig Ziglar
“Whenever you want to achieve something, keep your eyes open, concentrate and make sure you know exactly what it is you want. No one can hit their target with their eyes closed.” Paulo Coelho
“It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light.” Aristotle Onassis
“Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus.” Alexander Graham Bell
“We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.” Will Durant
“The successful warrior is the average man, with laser-like focus.” Bruce Lee
Courtesy of planetofsuccess.com
Abstract
Only true focus and clarity brings about the results we desire. We admire specialists and experts in any field. They took the time and are still taking their time to hone their skills in their specific areas of interest.
The Sun and it’s inherent power is a true testament to the power of focus. When we harness the power of the sun using a magnifying glass we get to understand the power of focus. When the rays are concentrated in a narrow area they burn that spot.
Our thoughts and actions also operate on the same principle. Once we give focus and aim in one area for a sustained period of time we usually achieve spectacular results. Setting our PRIORITIES AND FOCUS right gives us the leverage to achieve what we want.
The Tortoise and the Hare
I will remind you about the parable of the race between the hare and the tortoise. One day a race was set between a hare and a tortoise. The hare dashed towards the finish line and left the tortoise far behind.
Sure of an imminent victory the hare thought let me take a rest before I cross the finish line (Distractions) and he slept and slept on. The tortoise kept on plodding slowly and surely passed the hare and crossed the finish line first. The hare woke up and realised that the tortoise had passed him and won the race.
This parable has two key messages:
– Have razor focus on your goals and targets do not get distracted
The hare forgot about the overall objective of the race which was to cross the line and win the race. He thought about the speed of the tortoise and became cocksure and arrogant. The tortoise eventually passed him and won the race as he slept on.
You will encounter this phenomenon all the time the issue of distraction by shiny objects. If you stop to look at all shiny objects you will stray off course.
Nature is a great teacher. If you ever witness any successful hunt by a predator it will only focus on one animal. The cheetah, tiger, leopard and lion focus only on one target in an entire herd of herbivores.
They will seek out any animal that shows signs of weakness – injured, young and old animals are the key targets. Even among all these choices they will only seek out one animal in the herd when they go for the kill.
We should also emulate the predators. We need to narrow our key target to ONE key goal at a time. What is that key goal that brings all the other goals down when completed?
Focus on this goal relentlessly without fail. Keep your eye on this target daily and do not get distracted by other objectives of less importance. In the case of the hare this was sleep that distracted it.
- Run your own race
You need to run your own race in life. The tortoise run his own race. He forgot about the hare and focused on the overall objective. He went on about at it at his natural pace and ability keeping his eye on the overall target no matter what.
We are natural competitors and always want to show off our accomplishments and possessions we have managed to accumulate. We always want to be better than our immediate neighbours and brag about it. The term for this is keeping up with the Jones’s.
Are you aware about what plan the neighbours are using to accumulate their wealth. They might be racking up massive debt, they might have inherited cash, they might have rich relatives who support them, they might be drug dealers, the might have a great business. The possibilities are endless. Focus on your own goals.
First Gulf War Operation Desert Storm - The Guided Missile
Another true display of the power of focus and accuracy is the operation of a guided missile. The first Gulf War Operation Desert Storm brought out the true potential of guided weaponry. Two stand out weapons were the Tomahawk Cruise Missiles and the Patriot Defence Batteries.
The sight of a submarine lodged in the sea far away from the actual operational area actually hitting targets thousands of kilometres away brought about the vivid potency of these weapons. Guided by geographical positional satellites they delivered their pay load.
The weapon was accurate to a distance of a few metres. They knocked out the defensive capabilities of the Iraq army and guided weaponry’s potential had been realised.
The Patriot defence missiles used radar to intercept incoming Scud missiles from the Iraqi forces. The accuracy of these missiles was phenomenal. They saved numerous lives by using the principle focus and accuracy to eliminate potential threats.
Gain Clarity
Champions are relentless about achieving targets once they have locked eyes on a target. They clear all distractions on their path and aim for the finishing line. They ignore pain, limitations set by other people and only focus on that target.
Our Priorities
What are our key priorities in life? We need to learn how to set our priorities straight. Any individual or entity that is producing spectacular and consistent results always has it’s priorities and clarity right.
Study any field. The highest earners in any area are the specialists. In medicine the specialists will always earn higher than the general practitioners. The renal specialists, neurosurgeons, oncologists, paediatricians, cardiologists will have higher impact.
In IT the specialists in data, storage, programming, networks will earn higher than their general counterparts. In Finance the investment bankers, hedge funds, treasury specialists, the traders will earn higher income and have an edge over the general practioners.
In the trades the plumber, the electrician, the architect will have an edge over the general contractor and craftsman. This phenomenon will play itself over and over in any field. Know what’s of vital important in any area or skill. What are the vital skills to learn and hone.
Ruthlessly cut away activity that does not support focus on your top priorities. Narrow down and laser focus on your key targets, sharpen your skills daily and trudge on. If it takes you longer to achieve the overall objective so be it.
Do not get distressed and distracted by obstacles thrown in your path your overall competition is yourself. Stay on target and become the best version of yourself
Resources
Books
The One Thing – Gary Keller
The Ultimate Focus Strategy_ How to Set the Right Goals, Develop Powerful Focus, Stick to the Process, and Achieve Success – Martin Meadows
The Power of Focus – Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Les Hewitt