photo credit: brndnprkns
Please welcome Keith Smith from “Think for Money” as our guest today. Keith has been a construction worker, videographer, auto-mechanic, restaurant worker, and even played guitar in rock bands!
Keith blogs on his passion, the combination of two subjects: “The Power and Potential of the Human Mind” and “Achieving Financial Success.”
ThinkForMoney.com is a valuable resource to anyone who believes that what the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve!
Living The Dream
How can you get what you want in life? Is it even possible to get what you really want? The answer is YES!
Most people have dreams they wish would come true or goals they want to achieve. Unfortunately, many of those same people never realize their dreams and it isn’t because they are less capable or lack desire. What they do need is Focus!
What is Focus?
There’s little doubt that you’ve heard how important it is to be focused, but are you actually implementing it, daily, in your life? Your life can be the way you desire it to be, but to get there you will need to use the power of focus.
What, in this context, is meant by the word Focus? The human mind is amazingly powerful and you can control and direct that power. You have the power to think on whatever you wish to think about and you can change what you are thinking about in an instant.
Take a moment and think about a beautiful lake, illuminated by a golden setting sun. Now think about being in a car and running head on into a semi-truck! Do you see? In an instant you switched your thoughts from one thing to another.
Did you also notice that a completely different set of feelings and emotions came along with each thought? Focus simply means to consciously choose your thoughts and to sustain those thoughts indefinitely. It is a form of concentration and achieving your goals or realizing your dream requires that you focus your thoughts on what it is you want.
Focusing on what you want will lead you in the direction of your desire. It is important to remember that focusing on what you do not want will have the same effect, only you will be guided toward what you do not want!
My father taught me this concept, years ago, while teaching me how to drive. He taught me that while driving down the road, and in the distance, you see an object in the roadway that you need to avoid, look for a safe way around it instead of staring (focusing) at the object.
“If you stare at it you’ll end up hitting it even though you don’t want to.” he said. There’s a lot of wisdom in that statement. If you focus on the things you do not want, you’ll end up moving in that direction even if you don’t want to! That is the power of Focus! It will override a momentary desire, and by that I mean that if you are continually focusing in a certain way you will develop momentum in that direction. This momentum will not be overcome by a few minutes of discomfort, and that is why it is crucial that you focus your thoughts on things that you do want in your life.
If you want more money in your life, you shouldn’t continually think, “I don’t want to be broke, I don’t want to be without”. If you want to lose weight don’t focus your thoughts on “I wish I were not fat”. That is focusing on what you do not want! Focus on what you do want!
Feed Your Focus
In order for your focus to have power and be effective you need to infuse your thoughts with emotion and feeling (Using visualization will help you with this). This is will give your thoughts power and will keep you driven, passionate and motivated! You know you’re doing this right when you feel compelled to make your dream a reality.
When you apply this type of focus to your dream or goal, it will seem almost miraculous how the way will be made. How solutions will appear and routes to achievement will present themselves.
Ask yourself this question. “What must I focus on today in order to create the tomorrow I desire?” Please share your answers below.
Angie from http://authenticmama.com is the winner of Steve Pavlina’s book. Thanks to all who participate in Magic Mondays.
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{ 47 comments… read them below or add one }
I have recently have become aware of the power of focus. It really is a novel concept but is usually overlooked. I think the business of our lives and the current society has had an impact on our ability to focus.
I think one thing that goes along with focusing on what you want is to focus on one thing at a time. I like to envision focus as a laser. The more targetted and detailed your focus the more powerful it can become. If you focus on simply making more more next year then this is a wide area to cover. On the other hand, if you make a focus to get a 10% raise next year in your job. The focus is targetted and you know what needs to be accomplished to get this done.
Inspirational Thoughts’s last blog post..5 Christian Inspirational Speakers You Should Know +1
Hi Tess and Keith ..thanks for your post – really good. Focus is so important – have a list of things you need to do each day and do them, then a list of new things to add in and learn them and then implement them – moving forward all the time to your passion, your goal in life ..
I’m going to look at Keith’s site now ..
Thank you -
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters
Hilary’s last blog post..Panthera Leo
Hello Stephen,
I love your analogy of the laser. What a great way to illustrate how the power of focus brings precision to our thoughts and efforts. Truly we must be specific in our desires, thoughts and our efforts toward our goals!
Thank you, Stephen, for your great insight!
Keith’s last blog post..Obstacles Are Opportunities
@ Hilary
Hello Hilary,
Thank you so much for your kind words. In your comment, the word IMPLEMENT stands out to me. It is great to dream and wish, but at some point we must implement a plan of focused action so that we can succeed.
Thanks for going to visit my blog. I hope you enjoy it and find it useful.
Keith’s last blog post..Obstacles Are Opportunities
Focus is not an easy thing. There are so many distractions and temptations that can lead us away from our goal. It is our passion that will save us however. When we know what is really important, what’s our priority, we wouldn’t waver until we accomplish our dreams
Jocelyn of I TAKE OFF THE MASK’s last blog post..The Inspirer’s Voice
@ Jocelyn
Hello Jocelyn,
You’re right that focus isn’t easy, at least not at first, but with some practice it can soon become easier. I found this out myself, and I have one of those minds that gets interested in many things, sometimes all at once, so I had no choice but to learn to focus!
I love what you said about passion. Passion is what drives us, day after day, to keep going, to not give up.
Thank you for your comment Jocelyn!
Keith’s last blog post..Obstacles Are Opportunities
“It is important to remember that focusing on what you do not want will have the same effect, only you will be guided toward what you do not want! ”
That’s a real WOW quote.
Tess, what an inspiration today, thanks. But then again, I’ve come to expect and know nothing less than Total & Complete Inspiration here at the Bold Life.
Jannie Funster’s last blog post..The Missing Picture
Wonderful post! ThinkforMoney is a great site and I’m so glad to hear more from the author of the site here.
Positively Present’s last blog post..why i need other people to change myself
@ Positively Present
Hello Dani!
I am glad to see the author of Positively Present here too! Thank you for you kind words.
I admire what you’re doing over at your site and I encourage everyone to go check it out!
Keith’s last blog post..Obstacles Are Opportunities
Excellent topic.
The driving analogy makes complete sense.
For me, the biggest problem is sticking to one idea and seeing it to fruition. The internet, especially, has made way for so many opportunities and it’s hard to stay focused on one goal long enough to achieve anything. Before I know it, I’ve jumped to the next idea and completely dropped the other. So, yes. Focus is extremely important, not only in achieving a goal, but in finding one worth pursuing in the first place.
Hello Jenn,
I know exactly how you feel. I have been the same way but nowadays I am better at keeping myself focused. It is just like anything else really, you get stronger muscles through repetitive exercise and you get better at focusing through repetition as well.
Thanks for your input Jenn!
Keith’s last blog post..Obstacles Are Opportunities
Tess — Thanks for sharing Keith’s writing with us.
Keith — This was an excellent post on focusing. Your analogies were right on! This is something I continue to work on…focusing on something positive, instead negative. I use affirmations a lot. My favorite one is actually rather old. I say “I am healthy, wealthy and wise.” Of course, when I say “wealthy” I’m thinking of more than just money. Anyway, it works for me. Thanks for this excellent post:~)
Sara B. Healy’s last blog post..Yes But…
Hi Sara!
Certainly, “wealthy” means much more than just money and I like your affirmations! Doesn’t matter if they are old if they work for you.
Thank you so much for your compliments! Keep working on the focus, I know you’ll master it!
Keith’s last blog post..Obstacles Are Opportunities
I am unfocused and can not comment right now…but I thought this idea was timely for me – I will return and read it again. I wanted you to know I was here
Patricia’s last blog post..Creative, Creativ, Kreativ
@ Patricia
Hi Patricia,
Please do return and share your thoughts!
Keith’s last blog post..Obstacles Are Opportunities
Hi Keith,
Nice to see you over here! I’m quite a focused person by nature and find it easy to maintain intensity and passion when I’m inspired. I have goals for every area of my life, from writing to decluttering. I find that helps me focus; if I’m ever unsure of something, I ask myself if it’ll get me closer to my goal or take me further away. I’m also fond of staying open to the signposts that synchronicity sends.
janice’s last blog post..How to Breathe Life Into Your Writing
@ Janice
Hello Janice,
Thank you, it is great to be here on The Bold Life!
It is awesome how you have mastered focus in your life, and it’s very inspiring too! Your method of keeping yourself focused is fantastic! Stepping back and asking yourself “Will this get me closer to my goal, or further away?” is a great way to stay focused.
Just curious, when you say “Synchronicity” are you coming from the Carl Jung line of thought? I believed he coined that term and defined it as “Meaningful Coincidences”. I’d love to hear more on this.
Keith’s last blog post..Obstacles Are Opportunities
Keith- Thank you for a inspirational post!
I loved the visual of a beautiful lake that you suddenly turned into a headlong collision. Wow. I had such an intensely negative emotional reaction at that moment of switching to the visual of the oncoming truck that it was almost physical. I forced my thoughts away from that image as fast as I could. I don’t like to visualize terrible things like that. But when I really think about it, I have to laugh at myself. I realized that I do have a tendency to focus on the negative thoughts sometimes without even realizing it. For example, instead of focusing on ways to make more money, I tend to worry about paying this bill and that bill and…can I pay the house payment this month and …OMG I could lose my house!…and, well it goes on and on until I either force my thoughts in a more positive direction or get pulled down by the weight of all that anxiety and fear. Just recently, by reading posts like this one I have begun changing my thought patterns to a more positive direction. It’s not easy- I still still find myself sliding down the slippery slope at times, but now I recognize it when it happens and apply the breaks before I hit that truck. I know with practice my “focus” muscle will become stronger and those positive thoughts will come more naturally.
I have subscribed to your blog and will look forward to your next post.
@ Jannie
Hello Jannie,
I just saw your comment and realized I hadn’t responded! Thank you for the compliment and for reading Tess’s blog. She runs an awesome blog!
Keith’s last blog post..Obstacles Are Opportunities
@ JenE
Hello JenE,
I totally identify with all you said in your comment. Often, we find ourselves deep into a “way of thinking” , or habit, and don’t even know how we got there! It is exciting that you’ve come to recognize this and I am humbled ( and ecstatic!) that this post may have been a help to you. You are right, JenE, that practice will strengthen your “Focus” muscle and before you know it, your life will take on new meaning and become richer and more fulfilling. Success will lead to success and it semms you are already on your way. Keep it up!
Keith’s last blog post..Obstacles Are Opportunities
Keith,
I’m often distracted, especially when it comes to important things such as dreams of success. Your words are very wise and I hope they stick with me as I try to focus on what I need to do.
Thank you
LB’s last blog post..Obstacles Are Opportunities
Hi Tess
I love the message of this post.
Do something everyday to put ourself toward our goal. And over time we can all get there.
Thanks for sharing.
Giovanna Garcia
Imperfect Action is better than No Action
Giovanna Garcia’s last blog post..Lessons from Eagles
Hi Keith and Tess ..
Thanks for the comment – and glad “Implement” stood out .. we do as you say have to actually do things to make them happen ..
I did get over to your blog – and was grateful to do so .. Think about everything .. and if we’re working towards money .. then ThinkforMoney – if we work things through and follow the path .. we’ll get there ..
Have a great weekend all ..
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters
Hilary’s last blog post..What connects Babylon, Australia’s great dividing range, Eastbourne and Long Island?
@LB
Hi LB,
Distraction is something we all deal with but it can definitely be controlled through focus. By training our minds to concentrate on specifics on a continual basis, we can and will reach our goals.
Thank you , LB, for your comment.
Keith’s last blog post..Obstacles Are Opportunities
@ Giovanna
Hello Giovanna,
You put it well when you said “Do something everyday to put ourself toward our goal”. Action is KEY and daily action will carry you through to success.
Keith’s last blog post..Obstacles Are Opportunities
@ Hilary
Hi Hilary!
Thank you for your kind words about ThinkForMoney. I am very happy you enjoyed it and, most importantly, the message it contains. THINK! We have been given a tremendously powerful gift, the gift of original thought, and what we do with it and where it takes us is up to us!
Keith’s last blog post..Obstacles Are Opportunities
What great wisdom and also a great reminder about the power that each of us as individuals truly has on the results were are getting. The clarity of my Focus often needs re-tuning : ).
I can related to your article on a personal level. When I first moved to Atlanta, I was living beyond my means and literally dreaded going to the mailbox–as I knew another overdraft statement would be there. It was as if I was just barely keeping my head above water. I was speaking with my mom, Tess, who mentioned to me, “Kristy, what you focus on expands. If you talk about being broke, you will be just that.” What a powerful moment for me. I have not used that word in reference to my life since that evening. That was 9 years ago. I am happy to report my renewed focus on properity, gratitude has lead to financial freedom.
What I find truly amazing is the power behind the word Focus when followed by the action of positive thinking and the belief of the glass being half full as opposed to half emtpy.
Thanks for renewing & retuning my FOCUS today…..
Kristy,
Wow! I seriously just got goose bumps reading your comment. I can feel the power in your words and your experience with discovering the power of focus has touched me. I know it will touch others as well and I am grateful you have shared this with us. Thank you!
Your mom certainly provided solid advice to you that evening. I love to see when parents “pay it forward” to their children and now, you will pass it on too. I love how she worded it “…what you focus on expands”. That’s great!
Keith’s last blog post..Obstacles Are Opportunities
Hi Tess,
A great guest you have here today!
Hi Keith,
Focus. What you focus upon expands. How true I’m realizing this to be. And it’s a very good thing when I really do this. And then there’s those moments where I slip up, when my mind wanders…and then so do I . Love the example you shared of the stark contrast between lake and then the semi truck. Powerful, really, in how quickly our focus can change.
For today – I will focus on writing…
Lance’s last blog post..There Is Greatness Within
Hello Lance!
Great to “see” you again! Everyone experiences “slippage” when it comes to focus, I think. What is important is how we long we allow that to last! I lioke how you said that when your focus wanders so do you. That’s a great way of looking at it. The moment we lose focus we begin to stray from the path, the longer it is before we correct that the further off the path we will be.
Good luck today with your writing, though you don’t really need luck! You writing is always fantastic. I really enjoyed your last post “There is Greatness Within” !
Thank you for your insight today.
Keith’s last blog post..Obstacles Are Opportunities
Keith’s article is the most clear, concise, and easy to digest I’ve read on the subject. I love the examples he used to illustrate his points.
“What must I focus on today in order to create the tomorrow I desire?”
With middle age came unexpected physical limitations hastened by a lifelong physical disability. I’ve become somewhat paralyzed by what I can no longer do; it’s emotionally akin to grief and loss of a younger life. I need to focus on embracing my younger days and see them as great experiences and accomplishments; appreciate the memories as I would a beautiful lake; and instead of thinking of my current physical state as an obstacle, “look for a safe way around it instead …”
Michael’s last blog post..Ahhh, Summer’s Here
Hello Michael,
First let me thank you for your nice compliment on the article. It is always inspiring and gratifying to feel as though something I have poured my heart into writing has helped someone in some small way.
I don’t know what sort of physical challenge you are facing but I admire your spirit and attitude about it. Facing such ailment can be one of the most challenging things an individual can face. I am so happy to hear how you are bravely facing your challenge. Many people give up when such things happen, which I truly believe makes their situation even worse.
Thank you for your inspirational comment.
Keith’s last blog post..Obstacles Are Opportunities
Keith,
I am back! Thank you Tess for sharing Keith’s good writing with us. I could not write previously because I fell up the curb and my knees were aching and swelling, and my hands were bleeding so I used reading the post to take my mind off of my situation and the cold ice! I typed my little statement and then decided I needed to focus on walking some more – stretch the knees out and swing my hands – open and closed. I focused on how they were healing and feeling better and how well they moved….I breathed into each joint and muscles how lovely they were moving….
Now I am nearly all better – only a few scabs on each palm and one 50 cent sized bruise on one knee. I am focusing on finishing my posts for while I am away, I am focusing on what a relaxing wonderful time I will have in Scotland, I am thinking about how healthy I feel and what support I am receiving from my blogging friends. And that I am taking just the perfect amount of spending money and food money with me …
When I was out of focus I fell up the curb…!
Timely and good advice for me
Thank you Keith and Tess
Patricia’s last blog post..A Birthday Ritual
Hello Patricia, welcome back!
Wow! I am sorry to hear about your accident, I trust you’ll be fine very soon!
Sounds like you’ve really been putting your power of focus to the test!
Scotland?! Wow, that sounds like a great trip! You keep doing what you’re doing and I know you’ll do great! Thanks for coming back and sharing your experience!
Keith’s last blog post..Obstacles Are Opportunities
Thanks for the good post!
Patricia’s last blog post..A Birthday Ritual
Focus is something I’ve been working on a lot over the past 6months. Its not easy. It sounds easy, but old habits tend to die hard
I am doing well though. Great post and thanks for the reminders to focus on what we want.
Life is good. That is my focus at the moment!
jenn’s last blog post..
Hello Jenn!
Old habits do resist our efforts to vanquish them, especially if they’re years old. Do not despair though, for if you can grasp this power of focus the change can occur swiftly. Sounds as if you are already doing well with this. Keep it up and you will definitely succeed!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us, and you’re right. Life is good!
Keith’s last blog post..Obstacles Are Opportunities
“What must I focus on today in order to create the tomorrow I desire?”
Not falling when I get out of bed in the morning. I agree with what you say here about focus – my personal take on it is related, but different. I’m severely disabled by an extremely rare disease. Long story short is I can’t use adaptive equipment that people with my level of disability would normally use and have to walk on my own even though I can barely walk.
I have only a few “stations” that are set up where I can function. Between stations, one wrong move as I shuffle along and I could literally die from a fall – my problems include severe fracture-risk osteoporosis of the low back and both hips. If I didn’t die I’d be seriously injured. I also have severe peripheral neuropathy, connective tissue and muscle damage, so even just the act of breaking my fall – I can’t imagine what it would do to me.
I’ve been at this severe level maybe four years now – not one fall despite my shuffling steps and poor balance. I have learned to focus like I never could have imagined. I know this is an extreme and unusual example, but I think it may help illustrate the power of focus.
Hello Paul,
You are right, while your example may be an extreme and unusual one, it is a perfect example of the magnificent power of focus. In fact, I wonder if perhaps it should be you telling us about focus and it’s potential, rather than me.
To say I admire you for facing these physical challenges in the way that you are. would be an understatement. Your deep understanding and use of focus in your life is inspiring to me, and surely to many others. The spirit in which you allow your experiences to actually aid you in being a blessing to others is amazing.
After reading your comment I visited your web site ( originalfaith.com ) and I really like what I found. I will go back and dig deeper as soon as I finish writing this.
Thank you for sharing your experience with the power of focus.
Keith’s last blog post..Obstacles Are Opportunities
Hi Tess & Keith. “Feed your Focus” I like that! While you’re busy feeding that, you won’t have time to entertain fear or doubt. Seems that feeding your focus will fast-track your dreams! Great post! Thanks.
Davina’s last blog post..On the Edge of Being
Hello Davina!
Yes, Feeding your Focus will definitely speed up your journey to your dreams!
Thank you for your kind words!
Keith’s last blog post..Obstacles Are Opportunities
Though focusing we tend to get more things done in a short amount of time, then with tons of distractions. Keeping your your eyes on the ball while its rolling, is how you manage your time effectively. By focusing on the task at hand you tend to tear theu the assignment with ease persistence.
Hi ppl. this is shalini here.
Today after reading this artical i feel better.
I am in so much in pain , no one can understand what i am going through.
bcoz the person i loved the most cannot help me. so i started to focus on what i need, rather than thinking what everyone needs.
I will go for him. bcoz he is just mine. I dont know even know what ever i am writing is right or wrong.
Thankyou,
pls accept my stupidity.
I cant explain in words how much valuable this post is, i just want to addon that “one focus, maximum success” I had hard time to understand this simple concept.
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sir, infact this ur write up on THE POWER OF FOCUS has been a source of inspiration to me after going through it. It really helped me to discover what this power of focusing on desired heart can do for you. sir pls i would like you to still send some of the articles to me concerning THE SOURCES AND THE PRINCIPLES OF FOCUS. |
THANKS AND GOD BLESS YOU.
I remember reading about how multi-tasking is not the best use of our time or our resources (our brainpower, thoughts, etc), and indeed your concept here on Focus (on one thing at a time) is key – It may not be the only thing needed to reach our dreams but it is absolutely a necessity. Good reminder! Thank you.
The power of focus is at the foundation of every successful person. Thanks for keeping this in the forefront of peoples mind.
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