Directing Attention Focus & Results

One of the most important lessons I ever learned started back when I was doing martial arts. Focus my mind to aim through the target, beyond it. Do not look at the obstacle, look where I want to end up.

A friend of mine Eric Kenney, who’s a great Triathlon and Cycling Coach has a saying, “Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off your goal.”

Look where you want to go.

I took it to heart back then, which started to help me to develop my own vision and discipline. Then again when I started racing cross country mountain biking, it became even more important. Because when I’m flying down single track with rocks and trees everywhere, trying to squeeze out every last drop of time advantage, the risk of injury goes up. And if the level of vision and focus isn’t there, I’ve got a problem. Then take into account fatigue, distractions and emotions. It’s a divine challenge. One that puts us face to face with ourselves and it’s our job to go beyond, or aim through it. The best results have to be seen before they can be reached.

Professional cycling coaches helped me to start to develop the habit of looking where I want to go on my bike. And looking farther ahead the faster I went. It overcomes the reaction to look at the small bumps right in front of me and gives me the ability to anticipate the best lines before I even get to the small bumps.

Like everything else it’s a habit that has to be practiced. First under low stress, then everytime after that. Every ride. In other words you’re always training what you’re practicing so even the “fun” rides should integrate the habits you want to develop. Looking where you want to go is always true no matter if it’s your career, family, racing, writing, art, etc.

The body follows the mind. The mind follows intention and human spirit.

Being aware of what your focused on and where you attention can be really hard, especially in such a demanding world. But it also make the difference between crashing into a tree, and winning the race.