The Power of Focus

Focus, or more specifically, what we focus upon, is the most important component of creating what we want. The problem is most people do not focus upon what their focus is, and then are surprised when something unwanted shows up. If they had only focused upon where they were focusing, they surely would have seen that indeed they were focusing on the very thing they did not want. Confused?

Simply put, your reality, as you experience it, is created by your focus. You will see what you put focus upon. Ever wonder why two people can be in the same place at the same time having the same experience, and one of those people will think the experience was wonderful and the other one think it was dreadful? Because one is focusing on the good in the situation and the other is focusing on just the opposite.

For me, the concept of the power of focus and how it shapes our reality was hit home way back in 2000. I had just purchased my first brand new car – a beautiful cherry red Mazda 626. I was so excited about it. I never really paid much attention to Mazda vehicles before, but when I test drove this car, I fell in love. I also liked the idea that I hadn’t seen too many on the road, thus making my vehicle somewhat unique – I liked that very much.

Guess what happened next. I took my unique Mazda 626 out on the road and began to see them everywhere. At every intersection there seemed to be another driver enjoying the pleasure of a 626. Where did they all come from? Did the Mazda dealership all of a sudden sell hundreds of this make and model at the same time I bought mine? No. We all know the truth. They were there all time. I just wasn’t focused on them, so I never noticed.

Here is another example. After I did my first presentation at an international conference, I received, via email, the evaluations that people wrote about my session. The conference organizers gave you verbatim what people wrote on their evaluation forms. There were 39 evaluations filled out. 38 of the comments were glowing – absolutely incredible. And there was one comment that said and I quote, “I didn’t much appreciate being preached at. She did seem passionate about her subject though.”

At first, I was quite upset by this comment. I felt horrible someone mistook my enthusiasm as preaching. I began to justify in my mind why this person was wrong and, of course, a complete idiot. And then I stopped myself, and realized I was putting all my focus on one negative comment, when 38 others were just absolutely thrilled with my presentation. I shifted my focus and immediately shifted my reality. I went from feeling angry and upset to thankful and joyful in a matter of seconds. That’s the power of focus.

Where are you putting your focus? Is it on what you want? Do you foresee a happy ending? Or are you sure to expect something to go wrong? Are you certain that all will work itself out? Or are you most often worried it won’t come together? Pay attention. You may be surprised to find that a string of happy moments are just sitting at every intersection waiting to be noticed.

Fay Thompson