Life Lesson #37 of my first 40 years: Be Present. Be Aware. Pay Attention.
Life Lesson #37 of my first 40 years: Be Present. Be Aware.
The only thing you control is what is right in front of you – in the present moment. You can’t change the past and you can’t alter the future right now, except with the actions you take in the present moment – which ultimately creates that future.
Dr. Covey taught me that lesson 15 plus years ago – that we all have a Circle of Influence and a Circle of Concern. The inner circle is the Circle of Influence – which you have DIRECT control over what you say and do and consequently are able to influence people and things.
The outer circle is the Circle of Concern – which may be important to you, but you have no direct influence over the people and things in that circle.
Much of the world wants to be all over – being active in their Circle of Influence and Circle of Concern – don’t do that. Focus your time and energy primarily on your Circle of Influence – take care of what you can right here, right now. By doing this you will indirectly begin to grow your Circle of Influence and shrink your Circle of Concern.
To help you do this do these 2 things:
1. Be Present – spend more time focusing all of your energy onto the people and things that are on your priority list. When you are with people – really be with them – don’t be distracted by the past or future. Your relationships will benefit greatly because of this.
The crazy thing is – doubt, worry, and fear – 3 things that will STOP you from becoming what you are capable of becoming, only exist in the past or the future. They do not exist in the present moment – take that into account when deciding where to live your life from.
2. Be Aware – there are so many opportunities (people and things – what I call resources) all around us, yet when you are so stressed out/busy/living in the past/future – you miss them! Are you using all of your resources? Be aware and pay more attention to the possibilities all around you.
Learn from the past. Plan for the future. Live in the present.
