Figuring Out How To Focus

I love to feel productive. I love being busy. And I love routines. A typical day for me involves juggling many tasks, and I have found that it's the dedication to my standard procedure that keeps me on track.

Because I spent part of last week out of town at my Zone/Regional swim meet, and I now am on the Atlanta/Nationals countdown, my so-called "normal routine" of finagling assignments and keeping to the customary is getting a bit blurred. My mind is constantly racing - thinking of all I need to have prepared for when I'm gone, how to plan for not being in the office, and how to mentally (and physically) prepare for my races in Georgia.

So to get some perspective back, I started making a list involving things that are essential and those that can wait until my stress level kicks down a notch. In doing so, I discovered a few things that I really needed reminders of and it basically all came down to FOCUSING...so I thought I would share:

• Focus on goals: in relation to my swims, there isn't much more I can do at this point than to trust in the hard work that has already been put into preparing for my races. I need to trust in myself and the time I have dedicated to the end result. All I can do is my best and worrying about it won't do anything but cause a hindrance. So focusing, visualizing, and thinking positively are key.

• Focus on the present: the past is the past. Can't change it and shouldn't look back, except to learn from it and let it teach me tips for the future. Living this day and this moment to the fullest is what it's all about. Move forward.

• Focus on the tasks at hand: I realized that maybe I am having trouble focusing on all of the little things because the To-Do list looks so overwhelming, but that if I really hone in on the tasks separately, each of them isn't too bad in and of itself. So I'm literally starting at the top and working my way down. By the time I leave next Wednesday, I think the lines drawn through the task list should be easily accomplished if I approach them consistently and persistently.

• Focus on fun: During stressful times, there is no better tension reliever than having fun - even when it comes in small doses. Though I have plenty on my mind and oodles to accomplish, nothing helps me to feel like I can conquer it better than when I enjoy a good laugh with my kids, read a great email from a friend, find a funny video or story, or just sit back for a moment and take it all in. Little breaks of entertainment can be golden and can help you put LIFE back into perspective.

• Focus on positivity: It has been my experience that having a positive attitude leads to happiness and success. If we look at the bright side of life, it affects our whole environment and the people around us. A positive attitude brings with it energy, inner strength, and smiles. And the best aspect of positivity is that it is contagious.

As Ralph Marston once said: “You've done it before and you can do it now. See the positive possibilities. Redirect the substantial energy of your frustration and turn it into positive, effective, unstoppable determination.”

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