Where focus goes, energy flows

Long workdays, cold dark nights, it feels easy to get dragged down into the winter gloom right now. In this article, Laura Williams reminds you to stop and take a moment to breathe and reflect – after all, ‘where focus flows, energy goes’

We’re in the thick of it, aren’t we? That long, never-ending term that feels even worse with the bad weather, the dark nights and staff that just seem to be getting grumpier. But you know what? Even though your own temper is frayed, patience as thin as a piece of tissue paper, and you just want to scream every time someone says, ‘can you just?…

You are doing an awesome job. It might not feel like it as everything on your to-do list feels like a ticking bomb and you’re bracing yourself for impact – but do me a favour… and stop.

You may not have time to do a full-blown state of the nation right now and that’s ok but do take a moment to clear your mind. It’s easy when we’re quiet – in the car or watching TV or lying in bed – to allow all the to-dos and what-ifs and watch-out-fors to swarm our brain. But you need to fight it as hard as you can.

When I find my thoughts racing away – usually to a scary and ridiculous place (because hey, overthinker here) – I say a phrase to myself that brings me back every time: ‘Where focus goes, energy flows.’ – Tony Robbins

I can then look objectively at my thoughts and question whether it’s something I should be focusing on. I can ask myself – is there anything I can do about this right now? (Maybe I’ll make a note if I need to remember something or do something later). Or am I just cycling through things I already know or scenarios that may never happen? What can I focus on right now that will be better for me? How can I redirect my energy to something more positive or productive?

As SBLs we know how to work the problem but sometimes we end up letting the problems work us – into a state of anxiety. Say it to yourself right now… Where focus goes, energy flows. Take a breath, reboot your SBL brain and go kick this terms a*s.