Awareness in all things is a powerful tool for life. In Step 10, Listen to What Expands You, I asked the question if you were experiencing more clarity. Awareness allows us to see things for the first time. While I said I knew where everything was on my cluttered desk, I really wasn’t “aware” of what my desk looked like to others until my sales person made her, “Oh, Jackie!” remark.

Benjamin Franklin wrote in his 1750 Poor Richard’s Almanac that “There are three things extremely hard: steel, a diamond, and to know one’s self.” As we focus, we can learn more about ourselves. We can change and grow.

Practicing these focus habits for the first time, I was not aware of how much time I wasted on email until I put my attention on it. If a project is not getting done, if we are not moving in the direction of our dreams, we can usually see why if we are honest and aware.

Sitting in front of my computer all day, it is easy to go off course. Doing research or checking a Facebook response can send me on a diversion that sucks an hour out of my day if I am not careful.

Pay attention to the tone of your voice when you talk to a business associate, spouse or child. It can make a big difference in relationships.

When someone starts to go off on you, is it really you or are they acting out of fear? Instead of reacting to situations, try pausing and being an observer. Ask yourself what is really going on and then respond without reacting.

Be aware of how you talk to yourself. “What an idiot. You’re a moron. How could you screw up like that?” If you find yourself saying these types of things, acknowledge this bad habit and stop. Make a note of your mistake and correct it. Instead, say something like, “I’ll have to be more careful next time.” No one likes to make a mistake, but be aware of your reaction and respond in a more positive way.

Being fully aware can change your life for the better.

That brings us to Step 19 – Live your Life from Values and Purpose

Step 1 – You Have to Have a Plan

Step 2 – Take Action on your Plan in Small Steps Every Day

Step 3 – Don’t have an All or Nothing Attitude

Step 4 – Focus on Your Strengths

Step 5 – Meditate or Think on your Plan

Step 6 – Get rid of Distractions

Step 7 – Review your Plan at the End of the Day

Step 8 – Lock Out Doubts and Fears

Step 9 – Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

Step 10 – Listen to what Expands You

Step 11-  How to Deal with Overwhelm

Step 12 – Avoid Negative People and Surround Yourself with Positive People

Step 13 – Where do You Spend Your Time

Step 14 – Balance Life and Work

Step 15 – Review and Track Your Progress

Step 16 – Clear Clutter from your Mind and Work Space

Step 17 – Feed Your Mind and Soul with Good Books and Programming

Until next time…. Stay Focused!

 

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