Your Focus Determines Your Reality

"Always remember, your focus determines your reality."

- George Lucas

I'm a big fan of focusing on what you DO want to happen, as opposed to what you DON'T want to happen.

Have you ever tried to lose weight by making a list of what NOT to eat?

It never works!

If you're constantly telling yourself "Don't eat brownies" or "Don't grab that slice of pizza", all you do is think about brownies and pizza ALL. DAY. LONG.

So then it's just you against your will power, which is never a good recipe for success.

I learned how to surf in Hawaii almost 9 years ago. When I started out, I would catch a wave, get to my feet, look down at the water and see... the reef. And it would freak me out.

Immediately, I would start to think, "Don't fall! Don't fall! Don't fall!"

What do you think happened?

Yep. I dug a rail and wiped out! Every time.

It turns out that our brains don't process words like "don't" very well.

What if we changed our thinking to focus on what we CAN do rather than obsessing over what we can't or shouldn't do?

While dieting, we would probably be thinking of healthy foods we like that we can eat, or new recipes to try, or even how eating fresh, clean food makes us feel great!

While surfing, I learned to look ahead to where I actually wanted to go, as opposed to looking down at where I didn't want to end up.

How does this apply to YOU?

Right now, you're hearing a lot of "don'ts" related to the pandemic the world is facing:

• Don't touch your face.
• Don't hoard toilet paper.
• Don't panic.
• Don't leave your house.
• Don't come within 6 feet of another human being.
• (Aggghhhhh!!! Why are you still touching your face???)

If the input to your most precious resource - your own mind - is constantly negative and based in fear, the effects of that reality will take you to places you don't want to go.

But... what if you made a conscious decision to direct your focus toward something different - something better? In other words,

You could choose to take control, as opposed to being controlled, right?
That's what being human is all about!

What would happen if, instead of focusing on the negativity swirling around, we took a second to think about what we CAN do or WANT to accomplish right now, and then got to work?

Here's a challenge for you, should you choose to accept it. :)

Think of 2-3 things that you want to accomplish by April 30th - just one month from now. For example:

• Walk or run "x" number of miles (total over a the next 30 days). Base this off of what you can currently do. If you're in an area where your outdoor time is restricted, modify this to include indoor workouts - number of pushups or pull-ups, etc.
• Send 50 thank you or gratitude cards to people who have had a positive impact in your life. If you can't send these via mail, email works, too!
• Host 2 virtual team building sessions or family/friend "parties"
• Learn 3 new songs on the guitar
• etc.

If you'll accept this challenge and focus on positive, forward progress, I promise that's what your reality will become!

And if - while the world is talking about things such as quarantine, shortages of hospital beds, and the growing number of new cases - YOU choose to focus on perpetuating positivity, finding faith, and giving gratitude... imagine the inspiration you will become and what an absolute LEGACY you will leave for those around you and for future generations.

The world needs YOU to show up as the leader you are. And we need you now.