“We wanted Nike to be the world’s best sports and fitness company. Once you say that, you have a focus. You don’t end up making wing tips or sponsoring the next Rolling Stones world tour.”
(Philip Knight, co-founder and chairman of Nike, Inc)

I received an email the other day that was all about someone who constantly asked themselves “What do I need to do to get this in balance?” Upon further investigation what that person really wanted was to feel happier and more relaxed – they just thought that balance was the way for them to achieve happiness and relaxation.

What this person was doing with the question “What do I need to do to get this in balance?” was focusing their attention on the process of balance rather on what they wanted the outcome to be – happiness and relaxation.

One of the things I found interesting about how this person had set this up for themselves is that they appeared to be presuming that they could only feel happiness and relaxation after they had (in this case) addressed balance in their life. Maybe I’m just impatient but personally I think it sounds far more pleasant to feel happy and relaxed and then, if you still want to, choose to address the priorities and balance in areas of your life.

Sometimes we can try harder and harder, focusing more upon the process and loose sight of how it relates to the end result. When we don’t get there we can presume that its down to some failing in ourselves rather than the method we used – phrases such as “if only I tried harder” or “I just haven’t got the will power” are all indications that that may have been happening. Rather than the method and process that you were using just wasn’t the one for you.

For example, lets say that Bob has been telling himself that he is lazy and undisciplined for not going to the gym. The result he wants is to get more exercise so that he can improve his health.
Shifting his focus to the result of taking more exercise to improve his health opens up a whole new range of possibilities, many of which he is much more willing to do instead of going to the gym.

Part of the dictionary definition of focus is “a centre or activity of interest.” This week I invite you to play with what you are focusing upon.

1. Pick something to play with, maybe it’s a new project that you want to get off to a strong start or maybe its something you’ve been working on for a while and want to give it some new focus.

2. What is the end result that you want?
What will it mean when you have this?
What will be the outcome?

3. Focusing upon the outcome that you want, write down some of the options that would take you there (no matter how silly they may appear) ?
What else could you do?

4. Re-read your answers and see which appeal to you to take action upon.

Have a lovely week of focus.

Love

Jen

This was originally posted on www.YourChangingDirection.com