To Do or Not To Do
No Procrastination, Controlled Attention
This was the situation Judy Williamson, coauthor with Napoleon Hill of Do It Now, put me in when asked to contribute an article for the NapHill newsletter. To eliminate the stress caused by this kind request,I choose to do it, and to Do It Now.
I went to the computer and its magical keyboard, sat there, and pondered my next move. Inspiration suddenly and happily occurred, and the decision was to write in the first person, on the principle of controlled attention.
The topic and this approach would make it easier to compose my reflections on what and how controlled attention occurs.
Years ago, the prominent psychologist, Dr. Murray Banks spoke these words: "As you go through life my brothers and sisters, let it be your goal to keep your eye on the doughnut and not upon the hole!"
This is controlled attention in action!
Life to be sure has distractions and frustrations. When these events pop up, clarity of thinking can become fogged. It is important at this point, to take control of our thoughts and choose to re-focus;to focus on what is really important and what it is we want from life.
In other words, kick out the obstacles and negative thoughts that pop up in your mind. You say, easy to say and hard to do? NO!
By re-igniting the positive mental attitude burner present in all of us, we can take charge of our reactions, to minimize the roadblocks we do not want from life.
However, we can only do this if we choose to regain and maintain focus.
Think of an archer staring at a target. Is the archer looking only at the target or is the focus on the bull's eye? Of course, it is the bull's eye.
That is how it is in life. To hit the bull's eye we need to control and concentrate on what it is we want to 'hit" and not be a victim of what life may or not give us.
It is important to be always aware of the big picture, but equally the important little particles in the big picture.
After what I would describe a successful career, I retired at 70 from business and academia. We moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan to be close to our daughter and her family.
It eventually turned out to be a good move. However in the first year of so- called retirement, boredom crept in. I needed to do something else besides sitting in a recliner, watching television,reading obituaries and idling away the hours. I chose to approach universities in the area if they had need for a part-time professor. I served for seven years employed at Grand Valley State University.I felt once again to be person of worth.
Sadly, a number of health issues appeared which necessitated leaving the wonderful world of work. I now have need of a cane and a walker if distance is involved. Rather than sitting on the pity pot,I decided to once again to do something of value.
I chose to enter the educational game business and this story may be told at a later time.
I formed Yovich Games LLC at age 80. The business is conducted from home with the world potentially my market.
My new mission and goal, now 82 years young, is helping students experiencing math anxiety to overcome their problem and to provide challenge to those who enjoy positive mental stimulation.
This goal can and will be accomplished by my remaining active in mind and staying focused on the doughnut and not the hole.
Copyright © 2012 Daniel J. Yovich
Purdue University professor emeritus
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