Dana Blog

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Prepared mind

Off-load all the baggage so that you are able to concentrate in the moment. Stop brooding over a problem, instead do something to solve the problem. Act on it, don't brood on it.

How to consistently "hit the clear key" on brooding? This is the challenge.

Exercise helps me if I am not too tired after the exercising. Today, I played a crisp game of tennis and then had a protein shake after I came home. I continued to stay as focused after tennis as when I was playing tennis. I came home determined to sit and blog and now I am doing it.

The uncertainty of the next shot from the opponent is no longer an issue in tennis if I approach it with a "prepared mind". I can use relaxed concentration to respond to where the ball is hit. Some anticipation is useful. Too much anticipation can make you lean the wrong way.

Same thing with my personal to-do list. When I make a to-do list, I "hit the clear key" on the feeling of being overwhelmed about everything that I have to accomplish. One by one I cross-off the tasks on my to-do list. One shot at a time on the tennis court. Play the shot and be prepared for the next one to come back over the net. Respond to the next shot and so on.

I wish that I could to articulate a set rules to make this happen consistently. Some days I am able to have the prepared mind better than on other days. How to minimize the other days?

How to have a prepared mind at least 80% of the time?

How to Feel

I need to start feeling my feelings again! I must not bottle up my feelings and let them fester inside me.

Distractions

It is difficult to stay focused on task when you are surfing the internet. When I search for a piece of information, I get the information but then I get interested in something else and it takes away another hour of my precious time. It is very disconcerting to me. I need to stay on task. No distractions.

This weekend I have significantly improved my understanding of different memory systems. Recent research has focused on the difference in roles of the striatum and the hippocampus. I have to find a way to include this understanding in my presentations.

Anticipation

I am feeling anticipation for novel creative expression in my life. An outlet for a being within me that needs to speak and is looking for a breakthrough into the open field/court. There is a bubbling feeling of anticipation of things to come that I will not be able to control. I will have to let go and let things happen as they will. I have held back this creative expression for too long and it is applying a pressure on me that is compelling and determined in nature.

Reading Og Mandino's "The Greatest Salesman in the World" , again after all these years, has made think about renewing my determination to succeed. My determination is stronger and getting stronger. I will succeed. I will act upon my feelings of creativity. I feel an anticipation of great success to come.

My time is now and I am going to win. I will overcome my feelings of fear. I will face and overcome the things that intimidate me.
These are my words. This is my fire-in-the-belly. I own my success. Nothing can hold me back if I am determined and dedicated enough to succeed.