Thoughts quite frankly, are a dead end. 

You can’t get there through the mind.  Through what we call ‘thinking’; straining for memories and words of wisdom in the past, following emotions that lead to negative thoughts about our worthiness.  Nope.  That’s not the path to focus on in 2022, or any year for that matter.  It’s actually easier and a lot more pleasant than that.  

It’s a slowing down…I know I know I know:  “But I’m 45 I haven’t won an Obie, a Clio, an Oscar or made it to the New York Times best-seller list much less written anything published by anyone other than myself!’ or ‘I spent all this time building a career and I’m still not happy. How can I slow down when it’s so late?’

Late.  Late for what? There’s no there there.  Ironically, speed comes from stillness.  Stillness of mind in particular.  (Paradoxically, I’m using a timer which is actually keeping my mind still from trying to figure out what to write next.  ‘Figuring out’ is constipating. Creatively that is.)

To focus is a choice, not a ‘how to’.  It’s a choice to stop, and then choose the target of your attention. I, as do most of my clients, have to trick ourselves to do it.  Today I decided to write three blogs.  I’m treating myself like a little kid.  Once I hammer out three rough drafts, I won’t reread them and start tinkering like a maniac; instead, I get to watch an episode of ‘Discovery of Witches’. 

Never mind online vision boards, meditation, or focusing on yourself…especially that last one.  We spend way too much time focusing on ourselves self-analyzing and critiquing.  Focus on what you want.  What do you want?  I want to have something to show at the end of the day that I know will move my first quarterly goal of 2022 forward: to increase my newsletter subscribership.  It’s not about ‘how to focus on yourself’ it’s about WHAT to focus on. Making that choice is what brings what matters into focus.

What will make you feel you have something to show for the day?  To answer that question try this: Sit or stand still, clear your mind by taking three deep breaths with full attention to them, and allow the answer to surface in your consciousness. Now go find a way to bribe, cajole and bring yourself into the seat, studio, kitchen, or co-working space and do it!