Lesson learned this Thanksgiving… FOCUS on one thing and not to multi-task. FOCUS has been one of my theme words all year but I guess not enough focus on being focused! Thanksgiving Day we shared what we were thankful in our life. I was talking about how grateful I was for no injuries this year, my health and return of my fitness level… I then proceeded to miss the last step going downstairs at Lincoln Center in Bellevue. I was trying to call the restaurant to confirm reservations for dinner after our movie… somehow I missed the last step and now have a second degree ankle sprain. Now you will see me back in my boot for a few weeks that I had from foot fracture in 2009! Not too happy but trying to find the positive in this…more time for strength training!
My major lesson learned…or rather another BIG reminder to not multi-task. FOCUS on what you are doing at the moment …one thing.
How often do you multi-task? I am always unloading my car and trying to carry all the grocery bags, coffee cup and workout bag at once. When working on my computer I always have a hard time at just completing ONE task at a time. Instead I often switch from one web site, email or document to another rather than accomplishing one goal and checking one item off my list at a time.
Do you focus on driving when driving or do you check your cell phone at the stop lights or even when driving?? Do you talk on your phone when driving or use speakerphone?
When you are sitting down at meals with other family members or friends are you focused on the conversation with each other or is someone on their phone? Or everyone!?
Most of us, myself included, are always doing more than one thing at a time and multi-tasking. What the F… FOCUS is always a personal goal for my business and personal life. After spraining my ankle on Thanksgiving and tearing ligaments right when I was regaining my running pace and fitness level, I am seriously reminded that I need to slow down, focus on the task or experience at hand then move onto the next step.
Sometimes we learn the hard way. A second degree sprained ankle is a better reminder than a car crash from being on your phone while driving.
Now I will keep my phone in my purse …out of sight and lose temptations to check calls, text or emails until I am sitting down and able to focus on the message when appropriate. Eliminate those distractions and focus on what is important at the moment… for me it was completing all the steps before I made the phone call.
Take the challenge with me… focus on one thing at a time. Enjoy the moment and the experience. Put away your cell phone when walking, driving, exercising, eating or working. Focus on one thing.
Debbie Potts
NASM CPT, MET, USAT & CHEK HLC
Fitness Forward Studio
118 105th Ave NE
Bellevue, WA 98004
Learn how to become a fat burning machine!
Host of the “Shut the Front Door Podcast!”
