The road ahead is long and demanding. Much is required of us and we often wonder if we have what it takes. But instead of worrying about all to come, it’s better to simply focus on the next mile.
To be sure, a successful race requires some vision of what’s ahead. In fact, many athletes practice visualization to mentally rehearse and prepare for their performance. However, there’s a difference between positive visualization of future performance and the anxious worrying we’re often prone to.
For instance, are we visualizing how to build a successful business or worrying about the latest marketing trends? Are we visualizing happily ever after with our wife or worrying about becoming empty nesters? Whenever we get stuck in the negative spiral of worry it’s time to refocus. And we can do this by simply focusing on the next mile at hand.
For example, new parents don’t need to worry about their kids’ college admissions when they’re first born. Initially, all that’s needed is to keep the kid clothed, fed, and changed. The rest comes later. Likewise, we do well to focus our attention on what can be done now, rather than worrying about all that is to come later. We focus simply on the next project, client, conversation, date, or family meal, for instance.
Much will be required in the miles ahead. But all that’s needed is to remain focused on the tasks and relationships before us today – keeping an eye on the vision ahead and simply completing whatever is next at hand.
Don’t miss today worried about tomorrow. Take your life and relationships one mile at a time and let the journey prepare you for all that is to come.
Photo by Tikkho Maciel on Unsplash
