Keeping on Track - How to Keep Focused During Difficult Times

By Dana Borowka, MA, Lighthouse Consulting Services, LLC

The daily vibes of fear and waiting for the "other shoe to drop" seem to be on most people's minds nowadays. I was speaking to a very successful business person recently. This individual admitted that when they open their eyes in the morning, they immediately start to worry and feel overwhelmed. Sometimes to the point that they don't want to see the forthcoming morning light of day! If you or someone you know is facing these kinds of thoughts, this article will share some ideas that can be very helpful to avoid being overcome with negative thoughts.

Let me mention that if you are trying to stay focused, you are not alone. One of the biggest issues facing individuals today is finding a vision for the future, since so many things have changed for so many people. Individuals have lost jobs, the market place for selling has shifted for a number of industries and change is forever on the horizon. Change is usually a very good thing but when one's world is threatened over and over again stress can take its toll. One of the definitions for stress is fear. Once an individual identifies what truly frightens them then they can usually begin to search for an answer. Otherwise the mind can just wander in the desert.

So let's say that you are attempting to stay positive and it is like swimming up stream - one moment you are up then the other moment fear attempts to take over. What do you do - where do you begin - is this something that will just keep going on and on?

The answer is found within each of us. What we focus on will determine the outcome. During difficult or trying times, think of what was most comforting in the past. Did you turn to a friend, a trusted advisor, a support group or did you turn to something inspirational? When we to enter into the winter season, it tends to be the darkest time of the year. Tradition has it that turning to some form of light provides hope and vision for the future. This is usually necessary in order to see through the darkness and to find the answer. Reaching out to others during this season through volunteering or sharing some special gift or talent, can be very comforting. This can provide the inner hope that is needed to make it through the tough times.

Usually denial just doesn't work and neither does jumping into the dark abyss of hopelessness. Instead of just opening ones' eyes and going through the "daily grind", it can be helpful to declare something positive the moment you wake up - some inner purpose for the day and center on it. No matter what happens or if the thoughts of doubt attempt to creep in, go back to why you woke up that morning - to what your inner purpose declaration had been and hold onto to it. It's ok if we drift a bit but remember - if you drift too far you might begin to wander down the path of hopelessness and that is a dead end. What value does that kind of thinking bring at the end of the day... nothing - no thing! It may seem like it would take a lot to get back on course, but making small changes is usually all it takes to get back on track.

So here are some ideas to consider and to make your own in order to stay focused during trying times:

Make sure your expectations are realistic for yourself and others.

Identify something from the past that has helped you - that comforted you during trying times.

Be willing to say "no" to downward and negative thinking.

Read or listen to something inspirational.

Find a supportive person or group to hang out with.

When you wake up in the morning, find your center or do something that helps to focus on your special talents that you offer to the world.

Every day, be grateful for at least one thing that is in your life.

It takes work and patience to remain focused and it is up to each of us to find what works for us. When you find it, share it with others. I was in the grocery store and noticed how the cans on the shelves were being placed with such care - each row was lined up perfectly. When I thanked the person stocking the items, they told me that no one had ever thanked them for the work they were doing. This person was visibly moved by being appreciated! Today is the day to turn to your neighbor and to thank them for something, to tell them that you appreciate them and then take a look in the mirror. Today is the day to appreciate something about yourself - something that you offer that is unique to you alone and that you can share with others. We'd love to hear from you on how the ideas in this article were helpful.

If you'd like a copy of our Keeping on Track article, Holidays: A Ritual of Joy or Sorrow with a special section with tips on how to deal with the holidays. Please fill out the following form and we'll send it to you right away.

Permission is needed from Lighthouse Consulting Services, LLC to reproduce any portion provided in this article. © 2010 This information contained in this article is not meant to be a substitute for professional counseling.

Dana Borowka, MA, CEO of Lighthouse Consulting Services, LLC has over 25 years experience in the area of business consulting and helping organizations both nationally and internationally in raising the hiring bar through using in-depth work style assessments. Dana is a nationally recognized speaker on this topic and has built a well recognized organization that provides expert interpretation of in-depth work style assessments during the hiring process, providing a variety of workshops and assisting those with communication challenges. He is the co-author of the book, "Cracking the Personality Code". To order the book, please go to www.crackingthepersonalitycode.com.

If you would like additional information on this topic or others, please contact your Human Resources department or Lighthouse Consulting Services LLC, 3130 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 550, Santa Monica, CA 90403, (310) 453-6556, dana@lighthouseconsulting.com & our website: www.lighthouseconsulting.com.

Lighthouse Consulting Services, LLC provides a variety of services, including in-depth work style assessments for new hires & staff development, team building, interpersonal & communication training, career guidance & transition, conflict management, workshops, and executive & employee coaching.