Written by Wendy Franklin Muhammad

As we are driving down this road called life, we often run into bumps in the road, potholes or we simply need to stop for repairs and refueling. These are realities that often times cannot be avoided; and, in a sense, shouldn't be. At times those bumps and potholes can be spiritual reminders or the universe's way of urging us to refocus or remain present. Use those times to re-center, be grateful and confirm where you are. It never hurts to stop and smell the roses. Furthermore, refueling and repairing are necessary tasks that will help us prepare for the journey ahead. Being distracted is more often how we perceive things that require our attention. Understanding the functions of both focus and discipline can help us to a better job at evaluating these, so called, distractions.

I have many clients who, like Barry, ask, "How can I remain focus and disciplined?" Focus and discipline are two different, yet related processes that can be used to help you achieve your desired goal. Focus can commonly be defined as a center of activity, attraction, or directed attention; while discipline, in this context, is commonly defined as orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behavior.

Think of focus in the context of a camera lense. Once we adjust the lense to its proper setting we can clearly see the object we desire to capture. Focus is the mental process through which we achieve clarity. In this sense, it's important to be clear on what we want. Once we are clear we can properly direct our attention. When we focus our attention, we make physical changes in our brains. By using our will we can focus and change the behaviors, thoughts and emotions we experience; and by changing our behaviors, thoughts and emotions, we will change our results. Our will is exerted by focusing our attention. Focusing our attention is like rewiring our brain. So, when we change our focus or adjust our focus, just like the camera lense, we alter our ability to capture different objects and experiences. For example, I have an affirmation that I say several times a day. My calendar is programmed to remind me to say this affirmation in an effort to rewire my brain so that I keep myself vibrationally in the right place. This keeps me focused throughout the day irrespective of what is going on around me.

Now, let's talk about discipline. We defined discipline earlier as an orderly or prescribed conduct or pattern of behavior. Discipline, in this context, is the manner in which we go about maintaining our focus. It's the process that brings what we are focusing on into reality. So, for example, if we point a camera in the right direction and perfectly adjust the lense we won't permanently capture the object of our desire unless we actually take the picture. We have to push the button.

Many of us have goals and desires. We can even say that we are focused on our goals and desires. Without the right behavior or discipline, our goals and desires are mere fantasies. We must apply action or the right behaviors in order to insure that what we are focusing on comes into fruition. Nothing happens, until we change our behavior. So, for example, if you decided that you wanted to be healthier in 2009. You must first start with focusing on being healthy and then secondly you must put together a plan of action that will make you healthier; such as, eating more fruits and vegetables, increasing your water and fiber intake and exercising.

Remember, focus and discipline are both vitally important when we are working towards specific goals. Understanding the power of them both will not only increase your chances of success but it will improve your ability to evaluate and perceive the so called distractions you will face. You'll recognize the difference between a bump in the road, a pitfall, the need to for repairs and refueling; and most importantly, you'll know whether or not you are using deceptive intelligence to convince yourself that either your goal is not important or that you don't need to change. It's a spiritual practice that requires mental and spiritual labor. You are well worth it.