Word-Of-the-Week #1048: Focus
September 5, 2024 by Susan Clarke
Focus – close attention and concentration.
Do you have the confidence to try something you haven’t tried before? How quickly do you bounce back from life’s setbacks?
This week features Phil Blair’s Union Tribune article, “Making the most out of positive thinking in life and in work.” Focus on the good, improve on the negative, and help others to be better versions of themselves.
We’ve all suffered from procrastination in one form or another. It’s important to figure out the reasons for your procrastination. Some people find a particular task or job aimed toward attaining a goal unpleasant, and that becomes the source of their avoidance. Here are three instant strategies to help you out: Recently, I was asked to deliver the “inspirational moment” at the Rotary Club that I belong to.
I wrote my remarks and was prepared to give my presentation, which usually takes about two minutes.
But that morning we learned that one of our longtime members, Pat Crowell, had just passed away. We were aware that Pat hadn’t been feeling well, but we weren’t expecting this news.
When I started thinking about him, I realized that he was the perfect example of always being upbeat, fun and jovial. Pat was always the first person with a joke, a compliment or an inspiring story of someone helping someone else.
Anyone who spent any amount of time with him came away happier and with a more positive attitude about life.
I dedicated my inspirational moment to him and his wonderfully positive life. I kept my tribute within the time frame, but I could’ve gone on much longer.
My favorite takeaway from having Pat Crowell in my life is to focus on the good, improve on the negative, and help others to be better versions of themselves, just as he did so well and for so long.
As much as possible, I try to surround myself with people who make me happy, make me feel good about life, and make me feel like I want to do more to help others.
I’m an unabashed optimist because I believe that having a positive attitude brings out the best in us, even in life’s most challenging situations.
Recently I was at a concert with a wonderful friend who had recently lost her husband. She made a point of saying that being with friends helped her cope.
As she told me, “I’ve always been up for trying something new, whatever it is, and now I’m ready to move my life in a different direction. I can’t wait to see where it takes me.”
Life can be difficult at times, and we need to acknowledge that and be patient with ourselves to work through issues at our own pace. Coping with such a loss isn’t a “snap-your-fingers” moment that will suddenly zap a downcast attitude.
But there’s no doubt that learning how to bounce back from life’s setbacks is much easier with a positive attitude.
Realizing positive results takes time
On a much lighter note, sometimes realizing those positive results takes time, like when I was in high school, and I tried to learn how to play the guitar.
I enjoyed my weekly lessons until my teacher insisted that I had to practice a minimum of one hour a day, every day, which was more than I wanted to do.
For years afterward, I could only play “Happy Birthday” because I’d given up way too soon.
While I still can’t play the guitar, those lessons did get me interested in music, and when I was in my 40s, I decided to take piano lessons. I’m no virtuoso, but I enjoy playing.
Now, I’m ready to take Italian lessons, which has long been on my “why-not-give-it-a-try” bucket list.
The confidence to try something new
Having a positive attitude gives me – and you – the confidence to try something that we haven’t tried before.
Two of my favorite quotes are, “If you don’t ask the question, the answer is always no.” And I don’t hesitate to ask questions or make requests by saying to myself, “All they can do is say no, but at least I tried.”
I feel the same way about anyone who’s applying for a job, a raise, or a promotion. Ideally, of course, the answer is “yes.”
But if the answer is “no,” it becomes a learning experience, and you’ll likely learn what you should do differently – or better – next time.
Take the initiative, be proactive. Don’t wait for something good to happen to you.
Keep your “why-not-give-it-a-try” bucket list filled. Add to it often.
And always have a “can-do” attitude about your life.
I’m positive about that.
Blair is co-founder of Manpower Staffing and can be reached at mailto:pblair@manpowersd.com.
This week’s all about focusing on the good. Are you willing to help others to be better versions of themselves? Do you take the initiative and proactively work to make things happen? Are you able to stay positive when facing challenges?
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