Message # 106 Be Like a Camera

This message is dedicated to the great John Sieh, about to embark on a month-long trip to Europe.

Are you a camera? Can you focus?

You need to focus, first, on the right things. If you are weak at overheads but only practice your groundstrokes (your strength) during practices, guess what? Your overheads aren’t going to get better. Focus on your strengths, but don’t forget about your weaknesses.

One of the keys in life is listening. The problem is, when other people are talking, they think about what they are going to say next, in response. Instead, FOCUS on what the other person is saying. Then, you will be able to truly HEAR what they are saying and will be able to better respond to them and perform at a higher level. That will lead to a better relationship, whether it’s with a teacher, family member, whoever.

One quick thing about multi-tasking…don’t do it. I see people all the time sending emails from their phone and checking to see who is calling. I have been on the phone with people and they are multi-tasking at work. I can tell by their voice that they are multi-tasking. They think they are being productive, but I say it’s lack of focus. I certainly don’t like that feeling when I’m on the receiving end. Focus on one task at a time and you will be more productive in the long run.

What else can you focus on? A lot. You know what you need to focus on; it could be your goals, your fitness/nutrition, your family, your finances, your spirituality, your balance, finding your purpose, and many more things, but I trust you get the point.

Many people know what they need to focus on, but don’t do it. Why? Because they don’t write them down. Have a goals sheet or notebook. If you don’t have a goals sheet, email me and I will send you one. It’s too easy to say “I’ll do it later.” There’s never a “good” time; well, except for right now.

“Man is what he thinks about all day long.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thanks for reading.