Focus on What Matters Now
In our fast-paced world, it is so easy to get caught up in a spiral of tasks, questions and problems demanding our attention. But take a moment to ask yourself: of all the things you are trying to solve or answer, how many of them really need to be addressed right now?
Presence is about focusing only on immediate priorities and allowing everything else to fade into the background until their moment arrives. It is not about ignoring the future or neglecting responsibilities. It is about discerning what truly requires your focus at this very moment and letting the rest wait.
How many times have you found yourself overwhelmed by tasks, worries and problems, only to realise later that many of them were not as urgent as they seemed? Better yet, how many times have you made up a scenario in your head that never plays out the way you expected it to, if at all? Our minds have a way of tricking us into believing that everything is critical, but in reality, only a handful of things genuinely demand our immediate attention.
By practising presence, you can free up mental space and reduce stress. It is about giving your full attention to what matters now and trusting that you will handle the rest when the time is right. And for some things, their moment may never come, and that is perfectly okay (even freeing)! Not everything requires your attention or energy.
So, how do you determine what deserves your focus? Start by really looking at the urgency and impact of each task. Is it something that will significantly affect your life if left unaddressed? Is there a deadline looming? Will you be at risk or in danger if you do not address this? These questions can help you sift through the noise and zero in on the priorities that truly matter.
Like a muscle, presence is a skill that takes time to develop. It requires conscious effort and patience, but with consistent practice, you may find yourself more focused, less stressed, and more productive.
For now, take a deep breath, assess what truly needs your attention, and let the rest unfold in its own time.
Journal Offering:
Concisely write down a list of all the problems, questions and worries you have - just a few words to represent the situation.
Look at your list. Maybe it is already starting to feel a little more manageable.
Next to each item, write down when you truly need to have this resolved by.
Now, re-order your list by time priority, rather than by how big it feels.
Are the items at the top of your list impacting your present moment (beyond just emotionally)? Write down yes or no.
If yes, what is one thing you can do to get closer to a resolution? Can you ask for more time or support?
If no, you may be trying to solve a problem before it’s ready. Thank your mind for looking out for you, but gently remind it that this issue may not actually unfold, or maybe help is on it’s way in the form new information, support or a change in circumstances
Visualise a place where you feel the most present and spend a few minutes here, using in your imagination.
