Chop Wood, Carry Water

Peter Haberl, the former sports psychologist for United States Olympic athletes, once said, "Attention is the currency of performance." His words resonated with me as I listened to his presentation at the Association for Applied Sport Psychology conference a few years back.

This quote deeply resonated with me. Often, we focus on the outcomes and the emotions we expect to feel after achieving a goal. However, if we fail to remain present in the current moment, our energy, motivation, and drive may not align with the task at hand, leading to subpar performance.

This highlights the significance of treating each step of a goal as a purposeful decision, referred to as process goals. By staying mindful and focused, we can channel our determination, energy, and willpower into each action, enabling us to excel and surpass expectations. It underscores the importance of mastering the art of being present, focused, and fully engaged in the current moment to deliver our best in the task at hand.

Regardless of the task at hand, strive to give it your full attention, even when it seems mundane, as the saying goes, "chop wood, carry water." You could be creating a masterpiece, if you allow yourself.