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Focusing can be a hard thing to do! Even the best of intentions can distract us. In this portion, Linda shares about losses that distract us! Sometimes we don’t want to concentrate on some loss and might intentionally try to focus on other things.

Are you concerned about your employment? Are you looking for specific insurance coverage? Do your children need your attention? Have you ever forgotten a load of laundry in the washer or dryer? When do you focus the best? Do you have a place you work best in? What distracts you the most? Is it children, the phone, or the computer that defocuses your attention? Are you a morning bird or night owl?

Dedicate a time and place to get things done!

When we are concentrating on something new or issues that require focus, we need to dedicate time to tackle them. Even a 10-15 minute window works wonder.

A 15-minute conversation talking with your spouses can keep a good window of communication open, but often the things we relish the most are lost because we haven’t shared our concerns or needs with those we love.

Charles Schwab was the president of Bethlehem Steel corporation back in 1918. At the time the company was the 2nd largest shipbuilder and steel, producer. Schwab was a wealthy man. He consulted a man named Lee who taught the Ivy Lee Method of focusing and hired him to work with those in his office.

The Ivy Lee method had the workers write down 6 things that needed to be accomplished within the day. They were instructed to work on the top task until it was finished and then proceed to the next one. Every day they did this. This kept the staff committed to avoiding distractions. Commitments make us accountable.

The American way of thinking has pushed many of us to multi-task. In doing so, we have lessened our skills for doing things well. To master something well we need to stay focused and consistent. Those who are great tennis players, piano tuners, or CPA’s use their skills repeatedly and with habits that call for attention.

Measuring progress has been a motivating way to reach a goal. You might ask how many steps or miles did I walk today?  Did I get two chapters read today? Am I down the extra 2 lbs this week?

By focusing, we are able to become healthier, more educated, or happier with ourselves. In the long run, we feel more accomplished and content.

Here is a brief summary:

1- Being persistent is one of the keys to accomplishment. Of course, one must still be humble and connected to other people. We need to be self-disciplined and feel deserving of what we are good at doing. FOCUS

2- Make a list and do the top thing, then proceed.

3- Gather together what you need for a project. Prepare for the task just like a painter prepares a room before painting. They bring in paints and set up tarps; they tape the areas that need to have straight edges. We too can set up whatever we need to focus and get our tasks done. Preparing for a job is halfway to completing it.

4- Make a list and cross off the accomplishments as you finish them. Seeing your progress in writing is very helpful. Note the wins so you feel better.

5- Focusing calls for concentration so put ourselves in the right frame of mind. Dress the part. Go to a place that allows you to concentrate.

6- Center yourself to do things well.  Prayer helps us move through difficult times. Hope comes from faith and encourages us to forge ahead. Take short retreats. These times can help us to be appreciative and develop hope.

Taking the first step forward may put you on the escalator of success!