Hello Universe: Focus and Discipline

As part of the first week of The Artist’s Way, I chose an affirmation for myself: “I am focused and well-disciplined.”  I chose those words because I don’t really believe them.  I frequently let the perfect be the enemy of the good, which means I procrastinate, obsessing about how I should be doing what I’m putting off, instead of actually doing it.

Enough.

What I Want

I want to be focused and well-disciplined.  I want to spend my time doing things that I will enjoy, things I will learn from, or things that will have real benefits.

I do not want to spend my time procrastinating or over-thinking.  I want to spend my time doing.

The Potential I Can See

Openly acknowledging that my current normal is hindering my progress is helpful in itself.  Having that affirmation keeps it present for me, and reminds me that there are better options.

I can see how this ties into everything I’m trying to do right now.  Instead of over-thinking my original core story, I can focus on my new one.  Instead of obsessing over everything that does or doesn’t happen in my new relationship, I can be disciplined enough to maintain it.  Instead of despairing that my job isn’t meeting my expectations, I can focus on getting a better job or creating a career.

My Commitment

I commit to being aware of what I am doing and how my actions further my goals.  I commit to being present in my life instead of over-thinking the past or obsessing the future.

My other mantra?  “I can do this.”  I believe that one.