This morning I woke up thinking about time. Time we spend, time we waste, and time that goes too fast! How often do we let precious time go by and not realize its meaning or purpose. I read an article that referenced basketball and “crunch time” as an analogy of a period of time at the end of a game in which players are focused on winning the game. Each player must think only of making something happen to ensure victory! Let me explain. When there is only a few moments left in a game and the score is tied, or very close, the players need to be totally focused in the present moment to shoot a basket for a win. Each player can’t afford to think about anything else while in this “zone” state. It seems to work very effectively in sports. How many turnovers in close games still astound us when the underdog wins under seemingly impossible odds?
If we take this concept into our daily life we can accomplish greater results in all areas of our lives. The only time we have is the present. But, so many of us spend more time thinking and talking about the past, or worried about the future! We can’t change the past, it is what it is. We influence the present by our past memories and limited expectations, but the real gift exists in the moment. Each moment of the day. How can we make those moments count? Utilize productive thought patterns, take action, overcome our past, and exceed our expectations.
The key is practice being in the moment as often as possible. Stay calm, focused and aware of your thoughts that may affect the outcome of your experience. If you find yourself dwelling on the past, or looking to the future, and engaging in negative thinking, just tell yourself “STOP” or “CANCEL” and replace these thoughts with more positive ones.
For example, I’m sitting here writing this to you as the birds are chirping outside, the fresh air is filtering in the house, and the sun is shining on the vegetation in the backyard. How peaceful, and calming it is to focus on nature, the environment, and quiet time. Yes, I have things I need to do today, places I have to go, and people I need to see. But right now, I’m living in the moment, appreciating nature and getting my thoughts centered on peace, beauty, life, love, and gratefulness. What a way to start the day!
It is only in the present moment that we can all experience our relationship with nature, the Universe, and each other. Make your moments count. Pretend you are in the “crunch time” more often, without the stress of making a goal, of course, and begin to live your life with purpose and focus. Enjoy the day!