(Distinctions are subtleties of language that, when gotten, cause a shift in a belief, behavior, value or attitude.)

 

You’re going to die!

Now that we have that out of the way the power in this distinction is in the approach, the focus, the energy and the results. You may exist in this world for the same number of years until you die, but you will enjoy it a lot more if you get beyond just surviving.

When people focus – consciously or unconsciously – on survival they typically are running from things; it’s an away-from focus. Life for them is about protecting themselves from threats. In conversations you may notice them talking about what’s wrong and needs to be different. They spend most of their time in the past (reviewing what happened) and/or in the future (when things will surely get better).

When you focus on living, your energy is directed toward creating a great NOW. The only place you can live is in the NOW. The past and the future are simply mental constructs. Sure, visit the past to learn from it and visit the future to plan it, just don’t set up camp in either. This focus on being present will let you see a richness to your life that will be missed if you suffer about the past or worry about the future.

 

Coaching Point: Can you live until you die?

 

Copyright 2000 Steve Straus. All rights reserved.