When doing something, pay attention to what you’re doing. We are so ineffective when our mind is elsewhere. This is something I really need to work on.
A recent article in the Toastmaster magazine by Caren Schhnur Neile made a lot of sense. She said, “Be completely present. Dedicate your full mind to what you’re doing. Instead of thinking about yesterday or tomorrow, concentrate on what your senses tell you about that very moment. And instead of weighing the pros and cons of what you or anyone else is doing, simply be.
“When our focus is on the present moment, we will not only accomplish the task at hand, we will also be more accepting of our emotions and those of others. When we listen, we can completely listen with our ears, eyes, and hearts. When we speak, we can feel confident that intrusive thoughts and emotions whatever they are, will not prevent us from communicating our message. And when we lead, we can do so with the sensitivity that comes from feeling good about ourselves, connecting with others and having the mental clarity to focus positively on what really matters.
“To be in the moment, step away from the phone. A recent study found that when cell phones are within reach, students don’t perform as well on tests – even if they don’t use them! Just the knowledge that a phone is around is apparently enough to distract us.
“Do one thing at a time and do it well. Psychologists claim there is really no such thing as multitasking. Rather than actually engaging in two or more tasks simultaneously, our brains toggle from one to the other, accomplishing about as much on each as if we were drunk.
“Switch it up. Are you right – handed? Try to accomplish a simple task like brushing your teach or stirring milk into your coffee with your left. We do so many things without paying attend that changing a simple habit once in a while forces us to focus on our actions.
“Sense it. Many of us tend to focus on the sense of sight without paying nearly as much attention to our other senses. Take a walk in the park or the mall – or just sit at your desk. Use all your senses to fully experience the moment.”
Cultivate this type of awareness and promote your mental strength and clarity.
You up to that challenge for today? I’m game. It makes sense to me!
And remember what Goethe said, “What is not started today is never finished tomorrow.”
Oh, and this quote really fits the above article. “We think, mistakenly, that success is the result of the amount of time we put in at work, instead of the quality of time we put in.” That was said by Arianna Huffington.
Be sure to go see the Guymon Community Theatre production “The Shadow Box” on Feb. 15, 16, or 17 at 8 pm. Tickets are $8 and call 338-0019 to make your reservations. I hear the show is outstanding.
There is a Mother – Son Dinner on Feb. 16 at 6 pm, benefiting Panhandle Services for Children. Tickets are $30 a couple and $10 for extras. It is at the Methodist Enrichment Center.
OPSU Baseball games on Feb. 16 and 17 and 20. Usually around noon or so.
The Chamber Pioneer Days Rodeo Committee Fundraiser, the Dinner, Dance, and Draw Down is a steak dinner with music by the Wooden Nickel Band, tickets are $50 each and you have a chance to win $5,000. That’s at Pickle Creek and doors open at 6:30 with dinner at 7 on Feb. 17.
Take your winnings for the Draw Down and go to the OPSU First Pitch Baseball Banquet at Hunney’s on Feb. 18 at 6 pm. Cost is $16 per person and should be fun!
Then on the 20th is the Main Street Guymon Awards Evening. Cost is $25 a ticket and it happens at the RC Party Room at 5th and Main.
Hope to see you there. Focus. On the bricks!