The key to high performance is being able to completely focus all your energy on one thing at the one time. I know what it’s like to be in a moment with someone, like my wife or my kids, but not actually be present because my focus is on something else… work, etc. Not only is this frustrating for the person who is trying to engage with you but you also miss out on the full experience of being completely present with that person.
BE in the PRESENT!
The ability to focus is hooking onto one thing, often the most sensory absorbing thing and committing all your energy to it. Dr John Eliot in his groundbreaking book, “Overachievement” says, “By focusing on one task in one moment (the more specific the better) and free of results, time will disappear… and so will your misery or whatever else has been distracting you. More important, you will find that your performance goes up.” (2004, Ch8)
Performance isn’t a bad thing.
As a Christian Leader I often hear and even suggest to others the idea that performance isn’t something we should be aiming for or even thinking about. It’s true that anyone of us can get caught up in living a lifestyle of performing for others around us in order to please them and get approval from them. This is unhelpful and negative, however, there is a positive aspect of performance which is more about being in the zone and there’s something awesome about being able to switch it on, whenever you need, so you can better engage with the moment you find yourself in.
Get FOCUSED!
By definition, focus is where your eyes and senses are, not your mind. In other words, focus is thinking less, not thinking more. When I’ve thought of focus in the past, I’ve associated it with intensity, and while there may be a measure of intensity that enables focus to happen, it’s important to understand that to the individual in the zone, focus, is as natural as breathing. When you are so caught up in what you are created to do and loving it, you’re not even conscious of what you are thinking, you are just doing it. When you can switch on your focus as required, you can improve your performance and feel the exhilaration of feeling Gods pleasure as you live on purpose.
Feel God’s Pleasure!
Scottish runner, Eric Liddell, in the Movie ‘Chariots of Fire’ said these words, “When I run, I feel God’s pleasure”. Each of us have been predesigned to being glory and honour to God as we run the race He has set for us. Where is it in your life that you feel God’s pleasure? Fire up your focus on it and watch your performance in your life increase.
Insight!
