In the world of Business and intelligence and data analytics, Peter Drucker’s inspiring words are foundational: “What gets measured, gets managed.” When building dashboards, setting KPIs, tracking metrics, defining goals, etc., what we capture, visualize, and report on inevitably influences the decisions we subsequently make, where we invest/divest resources, and what course corrections might be made.
Similarly, Tony Robbins, an author, coach, and inspirational speaker, is known for his phrase, “Where focus goes, energy flows.” A riff, perhaps, off of author James Redfield’s, “Where attention goes, energy flows.”
And, of course, for Star Wars fans, Jedi knight Qui-Gon Jinn’s, “Your focus determines your reality.“
There are probably many other versions of this concept from philosophers and theologists throughout the ages, and many versions woven into mental health, business leadership, and team-building frameworks.
As we enter a season of giving and celebration, I also know for many this time can bring grief and feelings of loss and loneliness. The wise and clever quips above have often felt at odds for me with the reality being lived by so many as the inevitable escalation ends with a, “well, I guess I lost my house, my loved ones, my dog, my job, my country — but, at least I have my life” ? So, as much as I embrace the overall sentiment, sometimes I don’t know quite how to reconcile in the extremes, if you know what I mean?
Does one need to then embrace the mindset of the Black Knight in Monty Python’s The Holy Grail? Upon having his arm severed, “‘Tis but a scratch.” “I’ve had worse.” Losing the other arm, he then uses his legs to kick Arthur, “What! Just a flesh wound.” Arthur chops off one leg, then the other, and still the Black Knight cries out, “I’m invincible!”
Talk about focus and perspective!
Fortunately, I’m not facing such extremes, so this season I’m feeling grateful for my healthy family, my exuberant dogs, my weatherproof house, and the relative abundance of the community in which I live. Sure, there is always room for improvement, and I could measure the things I can’t actually manage today, or focus on things I don’t have the energy flow for this week. But for now, I get to make gratitude my reality, and appreciate all that has brought me to this moment in time, and be thankful for it.
Wishing you a bit of the same during this season…and beyond.
