Dear Vidur,
At this point, as you tackle the long list of entrance exams and the rigorous preparation that goes into each one, life can seem overwhelming and what you need to adopt as your mantra is…
focus
I am glad you have inherited the habit of making lists. I love that you indicate the time you will need to complete item, add the date and split it into mini tasks so you can work on them to finish your list in time. The trick is to prioritize and then, focus on one thing at a time.
There is this lovely quote that goes “If you chase two rabbits, both will escape”
Focus helps you know what to do and when to do it.
Now, my heart fills with pride when I recall a number of instances where you have advised me to “cut out those distractions and focus only on what I need to do” – on those days when I have felt harassed with an overfull plate and didn’t know where to start.
Today, I am going to repeat your advice to me, elaborately and with reference to your current situation. I know that you are focused, but I also know there are times when you feel restless, tired and feel the heat, literally and figuratively.
For the next four months, just focus on one thing at a time. Look at your calendar and just focus on the next milestone. I know you have the JEE Mains coming next on April 10. Focus only on that for now, not on all the other things you have on your list. When you focus, you get more done, and get it done much better.
I know how distractions sneak in. Life will always be full of them and it is easy to lose focus with distractions that are tempting. When that happens, you lose direction and your priorities become messed up. Your mind becomes scattered – and you find yourself busy without actually accomplishing anything. The result? Too many things initiated that are likely to be ditched – and yet you’ve invested time and effort in them. Above all, the confusion, guilt and the regret of what should have been, could have been.
“You can’t depend on your eyes when your imagination is out of focus.” — Mark Twain
Luckily, your mind is wired to create whatever you focus on. What you think about, your mind works to make it happen. When you want to achieve your goals, move your focus away from what you do not want, and go purposefully towards what you want. As always, there will be hurdles on the way and the only way to overcome them is – focus. I realize you have to be flexible to incorporate changes when required, but the main focus never shifts, right?
The best example I can think of in relation to “focus” is photography. Without focus, those photos are blurry and disappointing. No matter what you greatest intention, if you do not focus your efforts, the result will be less than satisfactory. Remember how often we used the word concentrate when encouraging you to prepare for a test or a contest. Just another word for focus.
“Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus.”– Alexander Graham Bell
More than anything, remember to focus on the present, on the things that really matter. Chip away all the unnecessary time-wasters from your routine.
“Focus is a matter of deciding what things you’re not going to do.”– John Carmack
And as you tackle all that you have to do, don’t forget to focus on your own health and fitness. Each time you achieve something, let your focus also turn to gratitude.
Focus on all that is good and be motivated to move forward and become the best version of yourself.
Focus on your potential, not on you limitations.
Dream big, work hard, stay focused
When you do that, life is good.
“A clear vision, backed by definite plans, gives you a tremendous feeling of confidence and personal power.” Brian Tracy
Finally, keep this wonderful thought in your mind: this is from your Grandma: Focus on solutions, not problems. She lived that way.
Love and hugs, Blessed to be your Mom
F is for Focus
F is for Forgive on Life Hacks For Happiness
F is for Footcare tip on Life Hacks for Diabetics
11 comments
So uplifting and true! This may be odd coming from a virtual stranger, but I would love if you might consider linking to my group blog on occasion. The new idea my friends want to try is posting five blessings on our personal blogs on Tuesdays and then linking on The Writers Retreat group blog we share. Please do not feel pressured if you are too busy or otherwise uninterested. Your messages would be a fantastic addition, though, if you would be willing. I cannot seem to provide the link so you can check out our blog, but The Writers Retreat is number 1581 on the A to Z list.
Blessings to you and yours,
Darla
Darla M Sands recently posted…F is for Flowers – Hurray for Spring!
Thank you for your kind words, Darla! Just visited The Writer’s Retreat blog. When you mentioned linking to the group blog, I am not sure what you meant. Did you mean a bloghop? Posting five blessings on Tuesdays sounds perfect! Yes, I would love to. Please let me know what to do! Hugs!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Celebrate
Oh, bless you! This is sort of like the A to Z blog list, only we would link the specific blog post to the list on The Writers Retreat. In fact, if you simply post your blessings list here, I can create the link for you. I’m currently enjoying an early retirement, so I have the time, and the tiny task would motivate me to post and link my own blessings. ~grin~ You would not be obligated to read from others who have posts each Tuesday, though you are certainly welcome to. At any rate, there will probably be just four or five of us.
I’m excited about this! Following a suggestion by Julia Cameron (author of creativity workshops like “The Artist’s Way”), I have been starting a morning journal with five blessings every day for well over a year. Here’s hoping we inspire a little hope and gratitude in others with this little project.
~hugs~
Darla
Darla M Sands recently posted…F is for Flowers – Hurray for Spring!
🙂 I am certainly smiling now! I love the idea – and by the way, I am a huge fan of The Artist’s Way – I’ve been maintaining a gratitude journal for years! Talk about doing something super easy! Let’s collaborate! Hugs!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Celebrate
Focus is the mantra to achieving goals…A wonderful lesson and message through this post 🙂
MumNDadDiary recently posted…A Bundle Of Nerves
Thank you!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Grow
Such sound advice, Vidya. The example that you gave about photography and sun rays is so apt. Whenever I took on more than I could handle, it always led to less than satisfactory results. I have learnt my lesson well, but the hard way.
Shantala recently posted…Gratitude Journal – As simple as it sounds? #AtoZChallenge 2015 @AprilA2Z
You know I am still learning, Shantala. Somehow – I am now convinced as I grow older, I am more easily prone to distractions. I felt rather proud of the photography example. 😀 Thank you!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Grow
excellent post,this time I didn’t just copy and save the motivational post but I jotted it down:)your post really did help me,thank you:)
Thank you Brunda
Vidya Sury recently posted…Grow
Vidya,
A great post. It’s very true that without focus you will not achieve what you want.
Lists can be really helpful in aiding you achieve what you want and as someone pointed out, what you don’t want.
Once you have prioritised, I find it helpful to add dates as to when you want these things achieved.
As a project manager I tend to do these things all the time but don’t forget the dependencies whether they be other items on your list or external items that you have no control over