This month on the spectacular adventure known as the Master Key Experience I’ve had the honor and joy of reading Scroll IV in Og Mandino’s The Greatest Salesman In the World. So far I’ve been struck by how this scroll zeroes in on concentration. This focus compliments what I pointed out during last year’s adventure, how the scroll highlights each of us being nature’s greatest miracle.
Concentration
“I will concentrate my energy on the challenge of the moment and my actions [will] help me forget all else.”
Og Mandino, The Greatest Salesman In the World
This particular sentence in Scroll IV is pure gold. Taking the time to observe my surroundings it amazes me how often concentration is scattered. From people texting while driving to children (and parents) scrolling or playing games on their cellular device when someone is trying to hold a conversation with them. I know I’ve been guilty on both these counts, not putting my full attention and concentration on the matter at hand. And the excuse of course is not having enough time to focus on one thing at a time.
This pales in comparison though to what may be an even bigger issue. I’d be curious how often people bring their issues from work or work itself home with them multiple times during the week. And on the flip side bring issues related to family to their work environment. Og actually highlights in Scroll IV what one should be doing to prevent failure and obtain great success.
“There is no room in the market place for my family, nor is there room in my home for the market.”
Og Mandino, The Greatest Salesman In the World
The question is in a 21st century that is filled with technological advances how does one accomplish this in terms of lagom? An interesting discussion could be had and it’s definitely worth contemplating when it comes to becoming a self-directed thinker who identifies and achieves one’s definite major purpose. Personally I think it’s important to look outside the box and consider it from the perspective of where your concentration should be in each situation. Remember that there is a time a place for everything that occurs in life.
To me this particular sentence in Scroll IV highlights the importance of setting aside time for family each week. Spend time discussing the day at dinner, have weekend activities you do together, take that week (or multi-week) vacation every year. During these scheduled times put your attention and concentration on your family and disconnect completely from work. Doing so makes it easier to stay focused on work during work time.
Perhaps another way to put it when considering Og’s advice regarding concentration in this scroll is to “be in the moment”, focusing on the matter at hand. Or as Mr. Miyagi says:
Time to check out some Week 17 perspectives of other members of the Master Key Experience 2020 class!
I actually did not think how much my mind is unfocused and not fully present on my family relationships when I’m home. My wife works from home as do I so it’s a challenge to keep work separate from relating.
Brad, good for you for realizing the importance of setting time aside for family. From your blog rover friend John.
Concentration is so important, yet can sometimes be elusive. Mental work is the greatest work!
“Lagom” is a word I don’t believe I’ve ever seen before, Brad. Are you of Swedish or Norwegian descent? In either case, the word works1 Nice blog post! 🙂
Thanks. I must give the credit to the Word of the Day emails from Word Genius.
🙂