Where your attention goes, energy flows
Your focus directly influences your engagement and effort, leading the the amplification of whatever you focus on.
So let’s take a problem…
By focusing on it, it grows, but focusing on positive solutions or the positive aspect that came from the problem, helps you to shift from magnifying the negative to highlighting the positive. So if you’re stuck in a cycle of ‘problems’ that is what you will nurture and grow more of.
This phrase was made popular by Tony Robbins who suggests that directing your thoughts and attention intentionally, is crucial for creating a desired and fulfilled reality. Another similar quote by James Redfield:
“Where attention goes, energy flows, where intention goes, energy flows.”
This highlights both the inner and outer placement of your focus and is something that when practiced can absolutely have a positive impact in terms of ‘sculpting’ your life into the shape you actually want.
Distraction and noise
You have a natural biological drive to scan the environment for potential threats or opportunities and so the brain’s inhibitory mechanisms become fatigued by constant stimulus.
Can you name your distractions?
escaping from boredom or anxiety can make distractions appealing
comparing yourself to others to help you understand your position
having low self-esteem can impact how easily you get distracted
focusing on others lives or problems as a distraction to stop you looking at your own
How to stay on track
Real-eyes your the director of your energy and where you place your attention. If you notice yourself feeling like you are being pulled into something that is not of your creation, take steps to move away and place your focus back onto you. You can also set intentional boundaries to manage your environment and try meditation and mindful practices to train your mind to stay in the present. Have a gentle awareness of thoughts that might come up and try not to attach emotionally. For example comparisons are often subjective and not fact if you find yourself comparing of feel you are on the receiving end of someone else comparing themselves to you. Lastly, limit the number of distractions you’re exposed to - what can you strip back or out of your day to help you focus?