HOW DO YOU STAY FOCUSED

HOW DO YOU STAY

WHEN THE BAR KEEPS MOVING?

Has anyone read the book, “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Dr. Spencer Johnson? It is a profoundly simple narrative about the reality of change in life, and the inevitable, often elusive, search for happiness and satisfaction in life. If you haven’t read it, check it out through Audible if you are an onthe-go reader, or grab a copy and cuddle up with a steamy cup and comfy blanket (well maybe not the blanket in summer, but you get the drift).

If you have made it through any real “phase” of life, you know satisfaction and happiness are not something you can chase. There are certain things we can, and should, do to create space in our lives for success and passion. However, we need to realize that circumstance, situation, and possessions do not define us or CREATE happiness in us. They are fleeting; mark my words - someday your cheese is going to shift (again, refer to “Who Moved My Cheese”).

So what steps can we take to stay focused in spite of a bar that is constantly in motion? The bars of finance, business, relationship, education, politics, etc. are either moving up or over; they are rarely stationary. How can you manifest peace and genuine forward motion in spite of this?

First, you need to define what is truly essential to YOU. That is right...I said to YOU.

Realize this - you are the only YOU that will ever be. Embrace this! Accept this! Don’t attempt to fit the same mold as your neighbor, colleague, or friend. I love what Birgit has written in her article this month, “Setting Yourself Apart from the Competition” , about knowing your personal value as a business owner and determining the direction for your unique company. Be sure to check her article out in this month's publication! What do you need to experience success, growth, and favor in your personal and professional life? Hone in on those things and make them your focus when the bar seems to be moving again.

Secondly, determine what you need to achieve those things you have determined to be most important to you. Perhaps you need to take apart your previous belief about happiness? Most of us need to do this. We have been raised in a society that teaches we NEED things to be happy. But when the things are gone...what then? If anything, the past year or so has taught us (or should have) that life is short and importance comes in a much different package than we thought. You can do ALL the things - education, training, reading books, networking, etc - but if you don’t possess a firm foundation of belief in what is truly important, they do not fulfill for the long haul.

Thirdly, take a moment. Take a moment for whatever you need! That is a super blanket statement, I know...but it is so subjective. When the cheese is moved again, and you have lost your way through the “maze” of life - chasing the next best thing, do you know how to regroup? Maybe you need a walk, a bath, a glass of wine, a date night, or a friend night. Whatever it is, TAKE THE MOMENT. The bar is always going to be changing, but your satisfaction in life can be sound and stable regardless because your hope and peace are not based on circumstance.

Perspective is often everything. How we define life and happiness changes through various seasons, and seasons bring change as well. But the foundation created through these disciplines will help you stay focused on the path rather than the bar (or the cheese).