FOCUS

FOCUS = Directed attention.

I chose to title my first blog entry "Focus" because that’s exactly what it took for me to even get to this point with my writing.

Over the years, maintaining my focus has been a tedious task for me. I’m a mother of 5 with1 grand-daughter <3, so maintaining focus is something that can be hard at times.

I realized I had what I call “Focus Deficiency”, when it was time for me to focus on something for myself. I was connoisseur at giving people and things outside of my own wants and needs my undivided attention and care, however, when it came to focusing on myself, my focus was off and my personal needs and goals got blurry and seemed far away.

I realized, in order for me to be fully present for the people I cared about, I had to become a top priority. I had to actively use the word "NO" and no had to be a complete sentence. This was hard because I wanted to help my loved ones if and when they needed me, however, putting me last caused me to feel unfulfilled in my life. Putting me last also caused some people in my life to have a sense of entitlement to my time and energy.

I had goals I wanted to accomplish and in order for me to achieve my goals, I had to stop sacrificing myself and shift my dedication and focus to me. I had to have the same faith and optimism I had for others and understand that being focused on my goals meant giving up some people, places and things.

Some things that help me actively focus on myself is 1). Writing my short and long term goals so I can get a visual of what I'm working towards; 2). Creating and following a schedule which helps me manage my time and be more productive; 3). Journaling, to help me mentally and emotionally process my journey; 4). Having a consistent self-care routine which helps me decompress and reward myself for all the hard work I put in. I also had to get in the habit of pushing myself harder and going the extra mile on the days I didn't want to do anything but not the point of wearing myself out. Sometimes, to give myself a extra push, I have to remind myself of the days I would help others whether I was tired or not. Overall, I learned that investing in yourself is always worth it.

We all have different aspects in our lives that we need to effectively focus on. Whether it be mental, physical , emotional, spiritual , financial, educational, family, and/or business wise. A lot of us need to find a way to focus on all of the above spontaneously; and that’s ok, we can do it!

As I continue my Blog, at the end of each entry there will be, “The FOCUS Point”. This will be self-reflective assignments to help with focusing on things that will ultimately assist us with reaching our authentic potential. The Focus Point requires us to be honest with ourselves, be realistic, and accountable but not too hard on ourselves. Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines and adjust your lenses.

The F.O.C.U.S. Point

On a piece of paper, list the goals and/or responsibilities that you know, without a doubt, you need to focus on more.

(a) Put your goals in order by priority. Make one list short term goals 1 to 6 months, a second list of midterm goals 7 months to 1 year and a third list of long term goals 2 to 5 years. Compose your list however you see fit. Next to each goal, write why you want to accomplish this goal. Be as detailed as you want.

(b) List the tools you'll need and steps to take to reach each goal.

(c) Create a schedule that allows you to work towards your goal at least 1 to 2 hours a day. If you can do more, go for it. I find 1to 2 hours a day is just enough to not become overwhelmed and still allows you time to handle your day to day responsibilities.

(d) Keep a log of your progress.

Don’t be hard on yourself, celebrate your accomplishments, pat yourself on the back and remember small steps are just as important as big steps because you're still moving forward.