FOCUS

​"Don't dwell on what went wrong. Instead, focus on what to do next. Spend your energies on moving forward toward finding the answer." — Denis Waitley

When I was a young boy, I used to shoot archery with my brother and my father. We would shoot compound bow, which is different from the more traditional bow in that they use cables and pulleys to help pull the limbs of the bow back with far greater ease.

They also have what are called “sights,” which are little pins that help you set up your aim. Depending on how far away you estimate your target is, whether 100 yards, 200 yards, and so forth, you line up the appropriate sight on your bow with your target. These sights set you to aim higher or lower depending on the distance. If your target was close, you could aim low; if it was farther away, you’d have to aim higher.

In this way, if you have a good bow made of strong materials, and if your distance estimate is accurate, and if your aim is good, if line up your sights just right, and if you release with confidence, then the arrow has no choice but to hit its target. 

I was fairly young when we would go to the archery shoots, yet even at that young age, I am proud to say that I received several trophies for my archery accomplishments. It was of no reflection of my skill, mind you. It’s just that I was one of the only kids in that age bracket.  It’s easy to be number one when you’re the only one! But my main point is this:

There are many reasons why an arrow might miss its mark. Maybe the bow is defective, or maybe the distance estimate was wrong, or perhaps the release was shaky so the arrow flew off course. There are many reasons why an arrow might miss its mark, but one thing is positively certain to cause an arrow to miss. And that’s by focusing on the wrong things. 

The Magic Word Focus suggests that if we’re not getting the results we’re looking for then a good place to start is by examining our focus.
 
Reflection
Take a look at your calendar. Where have you been focusing your time? Take a look at your bank account. Where have you been focusing your money?  Take a look at your thoughts.  Have you been focusing on problems or opportunities?