periment. I knew you could install software programs to get computers to carry out specific assignments. Why not install some software in my brain to get it to do what I wanted it to do? I decided that anytime during the day I felt myself start to mentally wander or drift, I would think of the words right now...followed by whatever I was doing at the moment. For example, I thought, “Right nWhat?

Years ago, I read a story about a woman who lived in La Jolla, Calif. She was an extremely high achiever and, on this particular day, she decided to walk her dog in a beautiful local park along the oceanfront. As she walked along, she thought of all the things on her to-do list. Several project deadlines were rapidly approaching, she had an upcoming event that required her to make the long journey to New York, she had family obligations to tend to, and the list went on and on. Her mind raced from thought to thought, trying to sort out her priorities. Suddenly she thought, “Right now I am walking my dog in a beautiful park and that is what I should be focused on!”

Fast-forward about two weeks. I am in my car headed for work. At this point in my life, I had a chronic car-buying virus. I loved nice automobiles! On this particular day, I decided to drive my nicest car-toy to work. As I headed down the interstate, my mind raced with all the things I had to do that day. I had meetings to attend, presentations to outline and prepare, slide shows to create...the list went on and on. Suddenly I thought, “This is what that woman in La Jolla was doing...and now I’m doing it...I do it all the time!” Then I thought, “Right now I am driving one of the finest automobiles in the world and I am paying no attention to it!” I pulled off at the next exit, let the top down on the car, chilled out and took the back roads to my office. The rest of my commute was delightful.

So What?

I decided to conduct a personal experiment. I knew you could install software programs to get computers to carry out specific assignments. Why not install some software in my brain to get it to do what I wanted it to do? I decided that anytime during the day I felt myself start to mentally wander or drift, I would think of the words right now...followed by whatever I was doing at the moment. For example, I thought, “Right no

er to make the long journey to New York, she had family obligations to tend to, and the list went on and on. Her mind raced from thought to thought, trying to sort out her priorities. Suddenly she thought, “Right now I am walking my dog in a beautiful park and that is what I should be focused on!”

Fast-forward about two weeks. I am in my car headed for work. At this point in my life, I had a chronic car-buying virus. I loved nice automobiles! On this particular day, I decided to drive my nicest car-toy to work. As I headed down the interstate, my mind raced with all the things I had to do that day. I had meetings to attend, presentations to outline and prepare, slide shows to create...the list went on and on. Suddenly I thought, “This is what that woman in La Jolla was doing...and now I’m doing it...I do it all the time!” Then I thought, “Right now I am driving one of the finest automobiles in the world and I am paying no attention to it!” I pulled off at the next exit, let the top down on the car, chilled out and took the back roads to my office. The rest of my commute was delightful.

So What?

I decided to conduct a personal experiment. I knew you could install software programs to get computers to carry out specific assignments. Why not install some software in my brain to get it to do what I wanted it to do? I decided that anytime during the day I felt myself start to mentally wander or drift, I would think of the words right now...followed by whatever I was doing at the moment. For example, I thought, “Right n

had a chronic car-buying virus. I loved nice automobiles! On this particular day, I decided to drive my nicest car-toy to work. As I headed down the interstate, my mind raced with all the things I had to do that day. I had meetings to attend, presentations to outline and prepare, slide shows to create...the list went on and on. Suddenly I thought, “This is what that woman in La Jolla was doing...and now I’m doing it...I do it all the time!” Then I thought, “Right now I am driving one of the finest automobiles in the world and I am paying no attention to it!” I pulled off at the next exit, let the top down on the car, chilled out and took the back roads to my office. The rest of my commute was delightful.

So What?

I decided to conduct a personal experiment. I knew you could install software programs to get computers to carry out specific assignments. Why not install some software in my brain to get it to do what I wanted it to do? I decided that anytime during the day I felt myself start to mentally wander or drift, I would think of the words right now...followed by whatever I was doing at the moment. For example, I thought, “Right n

..and now I’m doing it...I do it all the time!” Then I thought, “Right now I am driving one of the finest automobiles in the world and I am paying no attention to it!” I pulled off at the next exit, let the top down on the car, chilled out and took the back roads to my office. The rest of my commute was delightful.

So What?

I decided to conduct a personal experiment. I knew you could install software programs to get computers to carry out specific assignments. Why not install some software in my brain to get it to do what I wanted it to do? I decided that anytime during the day I felt myself start to mentally wander or drift, I would think of the words right now...followed by whatever I was doing at the moment. For example, I thought, “Right n

periment. I knew you could install software programs to get computers to carry out specific assignments. Why not install some software in my brain to get it to do what I wanted it to do? I decided that anytime during the day I felt myself start to mentally wander or drift, I would think of the words right now...followed by whatever I was doing at the moment. For example, I thought, “Right now...I am talking with a customer, or right now...I am working on a speech, or right now...I am eating my lunch.” It worked! Repetition is the key to success. After a few weeks of doing this, it became a habit. It helped me learn to keep my physical and mental worlds in harmony. It was a huge turning point in my journey from being a disorganized person to a focused, organized person.

Now What?

One definition of focus is doing something and thinking about what you are doing at the same time. I know it sounds too simple, but give it a try. For the next few days, think about the two words “right now” as you go through your day and perform your duties. Use it to help concentrate and focus on important projects, pay closer attention to people you encounter, and enjoy life in general.

Right now...think about this idea and how you might us it!