One Word - Focus
Last year I was introduced to the book One Word That Will Change Your Life, at what turned out to be the perfect time. I had just received a second bad biopsy report and was looking at major surgery and more tests. Because of the circumstances, the word came to me so very easily.
FEARLESS. I chose it, or maybe it chose me, because I worry about so much in life. Worry was getting me nowhere. Living fearlessly, letting go of the fear and worry was the only way to go on.
This year the word did not come as easily. I knew I wanted a word that would run through all three of my goals for the next year. I have a faith goal, a fitness goal and a business goal. I knew there would be one word that could run through them all but this year, it took longer to get there.
Finally, this week, I noticed the word was already there. FOCUS. Every time I spoke about one of these goals this word crept into the conversation. Focus is a perfect word for me because it's not my strong suit. I am a lot like my dogs in that I get started on one task and find myself chasing after that dreaded squirrel.
I am focused on my health and fitness right now but I can only do it the way I did Ironman. It's not going to happen overnight. It's going to take time. Luckily, I have time. Three hundred and sixty three days to be exact. And each of those days I need to remain focused. What am I doing today to get in shape? What am I do today to work towards my healthy and fitness goals?
Focus Journal
On Friday, the day I turned 49, I started by journaling. This is a different kind of journaling than I have done in the past. It is more focused. It's broken down into parts in which I answer the following questions each morning before I start my day
- What am I grateful for today?
- What one thing did I learn yesterday?
- What is my main goal for today?
- How is my faith today and what am I doing to be closer to God?
- What am I doing for my health and fitness?
- Who am I praying for outside of my family and friends?
- How is my mental state?
By creating this focused list, I am able to stop each morning and take stock. I am able to set out a plan for my day and follow that plan throughout. When I don't, I see it the next day and am reminded to go back and focus more.
Focus isn't easy. Life is full of distractions and I am a busy woman. But I have goals and without focus meeting those goals will be near impossible. Last night I read Sean Heritage's blog and was reminded that I should always begin with the end in mind. That's what this focus is about. With a focus for where I am going, following the map, even when there are detours, becomes a lot easier.