Are You Focused, Or Are You Obsessed?
“To do anything at a high level, it has to be a total obsession.” — Conor McGregor
Being focused is wonderful, until everything else around us blows up. Don’t we wish that we could handle all the different aspects of our lives at the same time without any problems?
Working on our professions, making money, being a good husband, being a good wife, being a good partner, being a son, being a daughter, being there for our friends, taking care of our health, keeping the apartment or house clean, learning a new language, developing a new skillset, being a student of the game, making room for rest and relaxation, finding time to travel, reading, writing, listening to audios, keeping up with social media, marketing, branding and all of the other items in life there is to do. It’s a lot, isn’t it?
Of course, we do all of the things mentioned above. But, if we have an honest look and self-awareness of ourselves, we under perform or suck at most of them.
Working On Our Craft
We can easily spend our whole entire days in front of our computers, our laptops, in conference rooms or on conference calls, meeting with clients, sitting in front of prospects, pitching ideas, reading, writing or whatever else it may be. Under those circumstances, our minds are often so absorbed and focused on our work, business, clients, class, calls and meetings that we forget about everything else. Some say we enter the “flow zone.”
This is the mental state of operation in which a person performing an activity becomes fully immersed in a feeling of energized focus, full involvement, and enjoyment in the process of the activity. Flow’s characterized by complete absorption in what one does, and a resulting loss in one’s sense of time and space.
As we approach the New Year, more and more people will be focused on working towards their goals, dreams, ambitions and passions. But how long will this last?
Perhaps it is possible to increase our focus and productivity for a while in these flow states, but eventually either of these two things is bound to happen:
- We burn out and crash.
- An internal or external crisis forces us to distance ourselves from our work for a period of time.
It’s so true. If we are failing at other aspects in our life’s, we simply can not become great at what we do. Regardless of profession, business or career path, if we suck at life to some extent, we also suck and struggle at our craft and profession. Everyone has hangups. This is why focusing (following one course until successful) is so important, in addition to constant and never ending improvement as Tony Robbins says.
A Feeling Of Obsession
Obsession — noun: an idea or thought that continually preoccupies or intrudes on a person’s mind. Whether it’s being obsessed about losing weight in 2018, sculpting a new body, being the best at whatever business, real estate or consulting profession or even pursuing a financial goal, these thoughts will enter and exit our minds constantly. We aren’t going to argue whether obsessions are a good or bad thing because that is not the goal of this. But I will say, they are necessary for some sort of success.
“If people don’t think you are crazy (business, ideas & goals), you are probably not thinking big enough yet.”
Answer this question honestly to yourself: are you focused in a positive or in a negative way? This could mean your work, profession, business or career. Does it ultimately align with a value system(s), religion, spirituality, family roots or something else? Do you concentrate on enhancing your craft, or are you obsessed by it to the point that 1) you’re moving in the right direction or 2) your life is falling apart?
If you are unsure as to how to answer those questions, I suggest getting feedback from the associations, mentors, friends, family members and people around you. Ask them how do they perceive you in regards to your work. Do they see you as positively driven, or do they see you as someone who is clearly overworking themselves?
Calls To Action:
1. Find ways of holding yourself accountable or find someone who will
Everyone has ways to bring more accountability into their lives. There are no excuses!
2. Build systems that help to keep yourself in check in regards to time and financial management
Whatever the system is, it needs to be something or someone that allows you to automatically review whether or not you are maintaining the balance you need in your life in regards to time and financial management. Ask yourself some questions such as:
- Have I spent enough time on results and production today and this week?
- Have I done enough physical activity and working out today and this week?
- Have I grown myself in terms of reading, writing and listening to audios today and this week?
- Have I had enough opportunities for rest, relaxation, family time, social events and time with children today and this week?
3. Practice Self-Awareness
So, emotional intelligence (EQ) is much more important than IQ in 2017, leading into 2018 and beyond. According to EQ, success is strongly influenced by personal qualities such as perseverance, grit, tenacity, self-control, discipline and skill in getting along well with others.
This is why workers, students, individuals, businessmen, businesswomen, entrepreneurs and many other people are better able to work in teams, adjust to change and be flexible in today’s Information Age.
Remain mindful of patterns like these, and then stay mindful in order to recognize them when they happen once again.
Thank you for reading throughout the duration of 2017! May the New Year bring joy, prosperity, love, gratitude, satisfaction and success into your life’s. I’m confident it will for mine and those willing to put in the work.
Accept the fact that working on your craft, staying focused and disciplined, becoming obsessed in your profession and constantly getting better will allow you (and anyone who is willing) to do anything at a high level. Stay both focused and obsessed!
My Very Best,
Donovan Vogel
