Week #41: Is it time to shift your attention?
October 7, 2007
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This Week's Topic: Is it time to shift your attention?
“As a man thinks, so is he.” -- Proverbs 23:7 Dear Friend, What
little habit or temptation have you found it hard to get control of?
This week, I want to challenge you to master a skill that is essential
for developing discipline – whether in your relationships, at work, in
your finances, spiritual life or when it comes to eating and exercise.
It is the skill of managing your attention. As I write this, I’m
on the train returning from New York to DC. Every time I go to New York
on the train, I pass by a Krispy Kreme shop at the train station and
almost unconsciously, my steps become slower, my mouth waters and I
engage in an internal debate about whether to buy some donuts (buying
just one seems almost cruel:)). Today, though, my steps didn’t slow
down and I didn’t reach for my purse. Instead, I turned my attention to
finding a tasty and healthy snack to eat before getting on the train. I
grabbed a banana, a Granny apple and a bottle of juice – and believe it
or not, they were quite good! So much of your life experience is
what you choose to give your attention to. If you spend your attention
focused on what you don’t want, it’s likely that’s exactly what you’ll
get. And if you spend your attention focused on what you want most,
over time, you will manifest those results. In my case, I decided I
wanted to eat healthy so I shifted my attention from the temptation to
finding something healthy. With the exception of a quick glance, I
didn’t pay the donuts any attention. Changing habits is a combination
of taking attention away from what you don’t want, then clarifying and
committing attention to what you do want. What do you need to stop
paying so much attention to? And what do you need to start paying more
attention to? Consider how these three pieces of advice apply to your life: 1. Remember that attention is a valuable asset.
The
term “pay” attention can be taken literally. Like money, what you sow
your attention into will reap results. When you focus on problems, you
tend to feel burdened with problems. When you focus on solutions and
opportunities, despite the problems that exist, you feel lighter and
more hopeful. In what way could you focus more on the solution than the
problem? 2. Notice what you give your attention to.
Be
intentional. You may not control the people, thoughts and events that
come to your attention, but you can choose what you will focus on. 3. Give yourself a new focus.
If
you're trying to change a habit, don't just declare that you will stop
the habit. Get clear about what you want to do instead. Is it a focus
on health? A more peaceful relationsnhip? An important project? Have a
vision that you can focus your attention on regularly. That way, when
temptation strikes, you already know what you're aiming for.
My challenge to you this week:
When
you notice yourself losing your focus, refocus your attention on what
you want to create rather than dwelling on what you don’t want.
Journaling assignment:
What
needs your attention? What’s your new focus? How have you used your
attention negatively? How would you like to change that? What could you
try this week that would get you started?
Until next time ... Warm wishes,
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Burton, a life coach and speaker, is the author of Listen to Your Life,
Rich Minds, Rich Rewards, What's Really Holding You Back?, and her
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