The Freedom Of Focusing On What’s Right In Front Of You

I was listening to a podcast the other day while I was doom-scrolling (yes, I am reduced to doom scrolling, but mostly manage to limit my time doing that). The interviewee (whose name escapes me) suggested that moving towards a goal is futile. For him, as soon as he achieved the goal, he felt less than satisfied. Instead, he suggested a switch in perspective. He suggested a better focus is to do the next right thing, whatever that thing happens to be. That way, he argued, you are always following what is meaningful to you in the moment.

In searching for the author of that phrase, I discovered many. One of them was Carl Jung, who suggested this approach as an aid in navigating uncertainty: it helps you move instead of remaining stuck in uncertainty. It helps you focus only on the step right in front of you.

The interviewee believed that goals limit us, because just as with anything we chose, once chosen, all other possibilities fall away. Our focus is narrowed to that single goal.

That has some merit if our focus is obsessive. When I’m anxious and stressed about attaining a goal I’ve set for myself, I do get obsessive. When that happens, it isn’t possible for me to notice anything else, even if they are screaming at me. Probably especially if they are screaming at me.

That’s how the idea of going for the next right thing caught my attention. It makes things simple, releasing me from tracking how I’m doing in attaining the end goal. Because of that, I can take the time to enjoy the process rather than stress over the future.

I do need to add one thing: instead of “Do the next right thing”, it resonates more for me to focus on doing “the next good thing”. I can do that!

Quote of the Week

Now that you find yourself here, what are you going to do?

- Malebo Sephodi

A practical guide to taking control of your life

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Maryanne Nicholls is a Registered Psychotherapist.  To find out more, gain access to her weekly newsletter, meditations and programs, sign up at www.thejoyofliving.co . 

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