When I lift weights, I have a habit of thinking about my girlfriend, grocery list, ghostwriting, and gobs of other topics. Recently, I have concentrated on directing my focus exclusively on the exercise I am performing.

I have realized that I can lift more weight (and probably maintain better form) when I pay attention to my actions in the present moment. Alas, I now understand one benefit of the ubiquitous term “mindfulness.”

I will apply this lesson to my life in other areas, not only when I get my swole on.

My ghostwriting skills will improve if I do not allow invading off-topic thoughts to distract me. I’ll be a better boyfriend, co-worker, or friend if I focus on nothing but the person with whom I am interacting. Doing so demands I disengage from the mental chatter that tries to monopolize my attention.

For most of my 44+ years on this planet, I have not paid attention to my attention’s focus. I am excited to turn off the auto-pilot to change my behavior. Hopefully, I’ll not fly this plane into the side of a mountain.