Focus

I coached basketball for thirteen years. The age of the kids ranged from five to eighteen. I soon learned that one of the most important things with very young players was getting them to focus on the task at hand. In the first practice I would have my assistant coach stretch a foot long cord tightly between their hands. Then I would take a knife and try to cut the cord with the wide side of the knife. When it wouldn’t cut I’d ask the kids why. They would tell me I needed to turn the blade of the knife. Then I’d try the dull edge opposite the sharp side and it still wouldn’t work. After more input from the kids I’d use the sharp edge of the knife and the cord would cut easily.

I explained that I used the same amount of energy each time. However, because all the force was focused on one spot when the sharp edge was used, the knife cut the cord. Then I told them focus gives you power. That got their attention.Throughout the season I kept telling them focus gives you power.

Surrendering makes my life work. A key part of surrender to me is focusing my energy on things over which I have at least some control or influence  and surrendering the rest. One of the best reasons for doing this is expressed by Ryan Holiday in his book The Daily Stoic. “But this is all good news because it drastically reduces the amount of things that you need to think about. There is clarity in simplicity.” I am more effective and efficient in the things I choose to do because there are less distractions.

Another great reason is emotional. If I don’t give weight to things I can’t control then my feelings aren’t tossed around like a cork in rough waters. I am not a puppet,  being manipulated by the endless number of chaotic variables the world presents. I have an anchor and I am happier. Once again surrendering is one of the most powerful things I can do.

May you have enough today, one moment at a time.