My whole life I have been hearing about how being focused is the key to success.  I see heads being nodded all over the place.  I am not saying focus isnt important.  What I am saying is that I am not sure the nature of focus has been fully examined.

Scientists tell us that human beings are only capable of staying focused for short periods of time.  Coaches are asking their players to stay focused for the length of a contest (football, basketball or baseball games, tennis match, etc.).  How about a golf match?  Not a chance.

What do we really need to do?  Before we go there, I have a question.  What is focus, anyway?  Consider that what being focused is, is being present.  Right here, right now.  In the moment of action.  There is no effort or struggle.  We are totally aware of the action to take, and the most effective leverage to deliver on it.

What is the basis for knowing where the most leverage lies?  Could you consider it comes from a clear intention and an unflinching commitment to the process in which we are involved?

For example, the player goes to the free throw line, the crowd is roaring and the game is on the line.  But,  just like in the backyard, she sets her feet, bends at the waist, takes three bounces, a deep breath; nothing but net.

It is the same on the 72nd hole of The Masters or a $2 nassau with your buddies on Saturday morning.  It is the same making presentation to a possible client or spending time with the kids.  What are my intentions and commitments?

With both your intentions and your commitments you created them.  Your game, your responsibility to do what it takes to deliver.  Back to our Saturday golf game …

You cannot stay focused (present) for four hours.  You do not need to.  About 90 seconds to create the shot, execute your pre-shot routine and hit the ball.  You do have a pre-shot routine?

What are we focusing on at the moment of action?  You cant focus on two or three things at the same time.  Yes, your pre-shot routine is a single thing.  It is your ritual.

In a variety of sports, you have heard your whole life,  œKeep your eye on the ball.  I propose this is not sufficient.

Lets use hitting a baseball as an example.  If you are just keeping your eye on the ball you could get fooled.  A ninety-mile an hour fastball has an aura, a halo which distorts your view of the ball.  It could cause you to just miss or only get a piece of the ball.

We need to get more specific.  How about you are zeroed in on the œseams of the ball.  The clearer you see the seams the more the ball slows down.  I am sure the great hitters like Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Ichiro Suzuki, Rod Carew, etc. did this whether they knew it or not.

This applies to whatever activity you are focusing on.  Pay close attention to the finest detail.  Determine where you have the most leverage and focus on that action.  The œbig things will not defeat you.  They are too dominant to ignore.

The old adage is œthe devil is in the details.  Pay attention to the smallest one.  Make sure you give it the same attention you would give any other activity you have on your plate.

A tip: When you are working on something after 15-20 minutes, STOP.  Take a couple of deep breaths, stretch and then, go back to what you were doing.  Your focus will be much, much better.