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Where are My Glasses?

A friend asked me to look at a document for her. I said I’d be happy to and then realized I needed my “cheaters.” I couldn’t find them. I searched everywhere—counter tops, purse, desk, bathroom…you know the drill. My friend started laughing hysterically. I said, what is so funny about watching your aging friend trying to find her glasses? They are on your head, she said! Oh. Oops—I did it again.

I know I am not the only person who has done this. I once watched a friend search and search for her glasses only to realize they were in her pocket. We both had a good chuckle together.

This post isn’t really about losing glasses or even aging. It’s about things right in front of us that we miss or just don’t see. It’s about focusing on what matters. I believe that are a couple reasons this happens. One is that we’ve gotten so used to having these things there that they blend in. They are a part of the day-to-day scenery so why would we even notice? Second is that I believe we take a lot of things for granted. We trust that something will always be there. Third, I believe that we can lose focus real quickly. The question is whether or not we are focusing on the right things and whether or not we stay focused on what matters to us.

The glasses are symbolic to me of bringing things in to focus. Putting my attention to what matters. Getting a closer look at the details. Sometimes I put this focus away, almost as if I’ve lost it.  But focus is always right in reach. We just have to remember to use it, apply it, and make it work for us. And of course, try not to lose it in the first place.

Here are three things I’ve found useful for me:

  1. Write down what I am focusing on. If I find myself veering, look back at what I’ve written down. A question I find useful: is what I’m doing now getting me to where I want to be?
  2. If I have limited time to focus, I set a timer. I tell myself I will focus on this task or project until the timer dings. Unless there is a 911 emergency, I am focused. I remove all distractions, even turning off my phone at times.
  3. Focus on one thing at a time. Multi-tasking is misunderstood. To be the MOST effective at something, focus on that one thing.

I hope these tips are useful for you. I also invite you to notice the impact on your productivity and fulfillment as you implement the focus strategies. I’d love to hear about the impact.

Wishing you abundance, blessings, peace and JOY—

-Deb

Blessings, Peace and JOY – 

-Deb