To do more, become more and have more - Focus on what you have.

One way of radically effecting your ability to do more, become more and have more is to focus on what you have.

[2 min read]

What do I mean?

Well take my run this morning for example.

I no longer consider myself a runner, but I like to be able to adequately cover a few KM's if required. I do this by having a base level of cardio, which basically means I regularly do stuff which works my heart muscle, then every now and again I take myself off for a run.

Now comes the Top Tip below (please bare in mind this is what works for me, this is not a prescription for you and always seek professional advice).

If you want to be a better runner, focus on what you have.

1. You have the ability to pull your belly button in a bit or as the professionals would say 'tighten your abs'.

2. You have the ability to imagine your running barefoot on a hot path. If this has happened to you on holiday, I bet you were very light on your feet. So no, don't run barefoot, but 'lighten your feet' - lifting your foot quickly behind you as you run. This means less energy is wasted driving your feet into the ground and more time is spent traveling forward through the air.

3. 'Tilt your body' ever so slightly forwards. This will prompt you to lean (excuse the pun) towards striking with the forefoot instead of the heel. Think of how you or others run when sprinting, your heel doesn't touch the ground. This again saves energy, as in point 2 above, and will also help with momentum 'going forward'. But I'm talking a fraction, don't overdo it.

How does this relate to focusing on what you have?

Well, as I said I'm not a runner but I can pull a 5-7km (this morning was 7km) out of my back pocket at demand.

I don't think about time or how long there is left to go

I don't think about time or how long there is left to go before finishing, nor do I think about distance or how far is left to go as this will focus on what I don't have. So instead focus on what you do have to execute your run (swim, tennis match or any movement you like really) and you'll do more, be more and have more.

Remember:

Tighten, Lighten and Tilt!

It's what the Kenyans do and they are known for running the furthest the fastest.

How does this relate to the workplace?

I used a running example above but really the philosophy transcends discipline.

Throughout our careers we will face challenges, you can probably identify one right now. One way of positively impacting that challenge and in general, to do more, become more and have more - focus on what you have.