focus

How to stay cool under fire

/ Robert Bruton / Leave a comment

How to Stay Cool Under Fire

In life, there will be times when you are under pressure. Maybe you are facing a difficult challenge at work, or perhaps you are dealing with a personal crisis. Whatever the situation, it is crucial to stay calm under fire.

Losing your cool can make a bad situation worse. It can lead to rash decisions, saying things you don’t mean, and doing things you regret later. If you want to succeed, learning to stay calm under pressure is essential.

Here are some tips on how to stay calm under fire:

  1. Take a deep breath. Take a few deep breaths when you feel stressed or angry. This will help to calm your body and mind.
  2. Remove yourself from the situation. If you can, remove yourself from the case for a few minutes. Go for a walk, listen to calming music, or do something else to help you relax.
  3. Talk to someone you trust. Sometimes, you only need to talk to someone you trust about what is happening. This can help you feel better and get some perspective on the situation.
  4. Remember that it is not the end of the world. No matter how bad things seem, remember that it is not the end of the world. You will get through this.

It is also important to remember that everyone loses their cool sometimes. If you lose your cool, don’t beat yourself up. Just learn from your mistake and try to do better next time.

Step-by-Step Plan of Action

Here is a step-by-step plan of action that you can follow to stay calm under fire:

  1. Identify the situation. For example, what problem is causing you stress or anger?
  2. Assess the situation. How serious is the problem? Is it something that you can control?
  3. Take a deep breath. This will help to calm your body and mind.
  4. Remind yourself that it is not the end of the world. No matter how bad things seem, remember that it is not the end of the world. You will get through this.
  5. Take action. If you can, take action to resolve the situation. If you cannot act, focus on coping with the situation.
  6. Be bold and ask for help. If you are struggling to stay calm, don’t be afraid to ask for help from a friend, family member, or professional.

Following these tips teaches you to stay calm under fire and never lose your cool.

regretful black woman crying on floor
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This story will bring home what this article truly means to your life.

There was a young woman named Sarah who was a very talented artist. She loved to paint and draw, and she dreamed of one day becoming a professional artist. However, Sarah was also timid and introverted. She was afraid of public speaking and didn’t like being the center of attention.

One day, Sarah decided to enter a local art contest. She was nervous but knew this was her chance to show the world what she could do. Sarah worked hard on her painting and was proud of the finished product.

On the day of the contest, Sarah was so nervous that she felt like she would be sick. She could barely eat breakfast and had to keep taking deep breaths to calm down. Finally, when it was Sarah’s turn to present her painting, she took a deep breath and walked up to the podium.

Sarah started talking about her painting, but she felt nervous. Her voice started to shake, and she could feel her heart pounding in her chest. She wanted to run away but knew she had to stay calm.

Sarah took a deep breath and focused on her painting. She talked about her artwork’s inspiration and shared her thoughts on art. As she spoke, Sarah started to relax. She realized she knew what she was talking about and was proud of her work.

Sarah finished her presentation, and the judges were impressed. They awarded her first place in the contest. Sarah was so happy that she had stayed calm under pressure. She knew this was just the beginning of her success as an artist.

Sarah’s story is a reminder that it is possible to stay calm under pressure. Even if you are feeling nervous or scared, you can take steps to calm yourself down and focus on the task at hand. Following my tips, you can learn to stay calm under fire and achieve your goals.

Mastering the Art of Daily Focus for Optimal Productivity

/ Robert Bruton / Leave a comment

Introduction: Maintaining focus throughout the day can be challenging in today’s fast-paced world. Distractions lurk around every corner, making it difficult to accomplish tasks efficiently and reach our maximum potential. However, by implementing effective strategies and developing strong habits, we can enhance our ability to concentrate and unlock our productivity. This article will explore actionable techniques to help you focus your day for maximum performance.

  1. Start with a Clear Vision: Begin your day by setting clear goals and priorities. Next, define what you want to achieve and establish a plan of action. A well-defined purpose will help you stay focused and motivated throughout the day. Next, break down your larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks to maintain a sense of progress.
  2. Establish a Morning Routine: A structured morning routine can set the tone for the rest of the day. Start with activities that promote physical and mental well-being, such as exercise, meditation, or journaling. This lets you clear your mind, increase energy levels, and cultivate a focused mindset.
  3. Prioritize and Organize: To maintain focus, it is essential to prioritize tasks based on importance and urgency. Create a to-do list or leverage productivity tools to help you stay organized. Consider adopting the “Eat the Frog” approach, tackling the most challenging task first. By eliminating the most difficult task early on, you reduce the likelihood of procrastination and free up mental space for other jobs.
  4. Manage Distractions: In the digital age, distractions are abundant. Take proactive steps to minimize interruptions and stay on track. For example, silence unnecessary notifications on your phone or computer, and designate specific times to check emails and messages. In addition, use website blockers or productivity apps to restrict access to distracting websites or social media during designated work periods.
  5. Time Blocking: Implementing time-blocking techniques can significantly enhance your focus and productivity. Allocate specific time blocks for different tasks or projects, and commit to working solely on that particular task during its designated timeframe. This method helps you avoid multitasking and encourages deep concentration on one mission at a time.
  6. Embrace the Power of Breaks: Though it may seem counterintuitive, regular breaks enhance focus and productivity. Our brains have a limited attention span, and prolonged work periods can lead to mental fatigue. So incorporate short breaks throughout the day to recharge. Engage in activities like stretching, going for a walk, or practicing mindfulness. These moments of relaxation will rejuvenate your mind, enabling you to return to work with renewed focus and clarity.
  7. Cultivate a Distraction-Free Environment: Create an environment conducive to concentration. Find a quiet space free from noise and interruptions. Declutter your workspace, as a chaotic environment can hamper your ability to focus. Instead, personalize your space with items that inspire and motivate you.
  8. Practice Mindfulness: Mindfulness is a powerful tool to develop and maintain focus. Train your mind to stay present and fully engage with the task. Practice deep breathing exercises or meditation to center yourself. Whenever your mind starts to wander, gently bring your attention back to the job you’re working on.
  9. Optimize Your Energy Levels: Understand your energy patterns and plan your day accordingly. Identify when you’re most alert and productive, and schedule your most demanding tasks during those periods. Reserve less challenging tasks for when your energy naturally dips.
  10. Reflect and Adapt: Regularly assess your focus and productivity techniques to identify what works best for you. Experiment with different strategies and adjust your approach as needed. Recognize that everyone’s optimal productivity methods may differ, so find what aligns with your unique preferences and needs.

Mastering the art of daily focus is transformative.

photo of a woman thinking
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Engaging in daily focus techniques and optimizing your productivity can bring numerous benefits to your personal and professional life. Here are some of the key advantages:

  1. Enhanced Performance: When you focus your day on maximum productivity, you optimize your performance. By eliminating distractions and staying focused on essential tasks, you can accomplish more in less time and with greater efficiency.
  2. Increased Productivity: Focusing your day maximizes your available time. You can accomplish your goals and complete tasks more effectively by prioritizing tasks, managing distractions, and utilizing time-blocking techniques.
  3. Improved Time Management: Developing the habit of daily focus helps you become a better manager of your time. By setting clear goals, organizing your tasks, and adhering to a structured routine, you can better use your time and minimize time wasted on unproductive activities.
  4. Reduced Stress Levels: When you have a clear action plan focused on accomplishing your tasks, you experience reduced stress levels. You can enjoy a calmer and more relaxed state of mind by avoiding last-minute rushes, procrastination, and feeling overwhelmed.
  5. Enhanced Concentration and Cognitive Abilities: Regularly practicing focus techniques strengthens your ability to concentrate and maintain attention for extended periods. This leads to improved cognitive abilities, including enhanced problem-solving skills, better decision-making, and increased creativity.
  6. Increased Job Satisfaction: When you’re productive and accomplish meaningful tasks, you experience a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. Completing your work efficiently allows you to enjoy a better work-life balance and feel more accomplished professionally.
  7. Improved Work Quality: By focusing your day and eliminating distractions, you can devote your full attention to each task, improving work quality. Attention to detail, critical thinking, and creativity flourish when you can concentrate on your studies without interruptions.
  8. Enhanced Personal Growth: Maximizing your productivity frees time for personal development and growth. You can dedicate time to learn new skills, pursue hobbies, or engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.
  9. Increased Confidence and Motivation: Successfully focusing your day and achieving your goals boosts self-confidence and motivation. Accomplishing tasks gives you a sense of achievement, which fuels your drive to take on new challenges and strive for tremendous success.
  10. Improved Work-Life Balance: By increasing your productivity and efficiency, you can create more time for yourself and the activities you enjoy outside of work. This leads to a better work-life balance, allowing you to recharge and maintain overall well-being.

By implementing effective focus techniques and maximizing productivity, you can experience improved performance, reduced stress, enhanced work quality, increased satisfaction, and personal growth. These benefits contribute to a more fulfilling and successful life overall.

Overcoming Low Self-Esteem

/ Robert Bruton / Leave a comment

Self-esteem is a critical aspect of our mental health and well-being. It is how we view ourselves and our abilities, shaping our perceptions of the world around us. When we lack self-esteem, we can experience negative emotions and behaviors that can impact our personal and professional lives. However, there are ways to overcome low self-esteem and build a more positive self-image.

Understanding Low Self-Esteem

Low self-esteem is a pervasive feeling of worthlessness or inadequacy. It can arise from many sources, including past trauma, societal pressures, or negative experiences with family or friends. Low self-esteem can manifest in various ways, such as self-doubt, fear of failure, and negative self-talk. It can impact our relationships, job performance, and overall quality of life.

Overcoming Low Self-Esteem

  1. Identify and Challenge Negative Self-Talk

Negative self-talk is a common symptom of low self-esteem. It is the voice inside our head that tells us we’re not good enough or that we’re going to fail. To overcome negative self-talk, it’s essential to identify and challenge these thoughts with evidence that contradicts them. For example, if you think, “I’m never going to be good at this job,” remind yourself of times when you have succeeded in similar situations.

  • Practice Self-Compassion

Self-compassion involves treating yourself with kindness, understanding, and forgiveness. It means recognizing that everyone makes mistakes and that failure is a natural part of learning. To practice self-compassion, try speaking to yourself like a friend or loved one. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer someone else.

  • Set Realistic Goals

Setting unrealistic goals can lead to feelings of failure and inadequacy. To avoid this, set realistic and achievable goals for yourself. Start small and gradually work your way up to more significant challenges. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small they may seem.

  • Surround Yourself with Positive Influences

Surrounding yourself with positive people and influences can help boost your self-esteem. Seek out friends and family who support and encourage you. Join groups or clubs that align with your interests and passions. Surrounding yourself with positivity can help shift your mindset from one of self-doubt to one of self-confidence.

  • Seek Professional Help

If you are struggling with low self-esteem, seeking professional help can be beneficial. A mental health professional can provide you with strategies and tools to overcome negative thought patterns and build a more positive self-image. They can help you identify the root causes of your low self-esteem and develop a plan to address them.

woman wearing black eyeglasses
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In conclusion, low self-esteem can impact our lives in many ways. However, with the right strategies and mindset, overcoming negative self-talk and building a more positive self-image are possible. By challenging negative thoughts, practicing self-compassion, setting realistic goals, surrounding ourselves with positive influences, and seeking professional help, we can overcome low self-esteem and live happier, more fulfilling lives.

It’s common for negative thoughts and emotions to creep in throughout the day, leading to a negative mindset or trap. However, there are ways to help prevent this negative trap and maintain a positive outlook. Here are some ways to help daily:

  1. Start Your Day With a Positive Mindset

Starting your day with a positive mindset can set the tone for the rest of the day. Take a few minutes in the morning to practice gratitude and focus on the positive aspects of your life. You can also repeat positive affirmations to yourself, such as “I am capable and confident.”

  • Focus on What You Can Control

Getting caught up in things out of our control is easy, which can lead to negative feelings and frustration. Instead, focus on what you can control, such as your thoughts, actions, and reactions. This can help you feel more empowered and less overwhelmed.

  • Take Breaks and Practice Self-Care

Taking daily breaks and practicing self-care can help prevent burnout and reduce stress. Take a walk, listen to music, read a book, or engage in another activity that brings you joy and relaxation.

  • Surround Yourself with Positive Influences

Surrounding yourself with positive influences, such as supportive friends and family, can help boost your mood and outlook. Additionally, limit exposure to negative news or media that can trigger negative emotions.

  • Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness involves being present at the moment and paying attention to your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This practice can help you become more aware of negative thought patterns and replace them with positive ones. Mindfulness techniques include deep breathing, meditation, and yoga.

  • Reframe Negative Thoughts

Reframing negative thoughts involves shifting your perspective from a negative to a more positive outlook. For example, if you think, “I can’t do this,” reframe it to “I can learn and improve with practice.”

Preventing falling into a negative trap requires intentional effort and practice. By starting your day with a positive mindset, focusing on what you can control, taking breaks and practicing self-care, surrounding yourself with positive influences, practicing mindfulness, and reframing negative thoughts, you can maintain a more positive outlook and live a more fulfilling life.

Benefits of Meditation

/ Robert Bruton / Leave a comment

Meditation is a practice that dates to ancient times, with roots in many different cultures and spiritual traditions. It has been used for religious and non-religious purposes and has been shown to have several mental and physical health benefits. In this article, we will explore some of the key benefits of meditation and how it can improve your overall well-being.

One of the most well-known benefits of meditation is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Because meditation allows you to quiet your mind and focus on the present moment, which can help calm your racing thoughts and alleviate stress and anxiety. By regularly practicing meditation, you can learn to control your response to stress and improve your overall mental health.

Another benefit of meditation is that it can improve your concentration and focus. When you meditate, you are training your mind to be more present and aware, which can help you to focus on the task at hand and improve your overall concentration. Especially beneficial for people who struggle with distractions and multitasking, as it can help them to stay focused and productive.

In addition to its mental health benefits, meditation can positively impact your physical health. For example, it can lower blood pressure, improve immune function, and even reduce chronic pain. These physical health benefits can benefit people dealing with chronic health conditions, as meditation can provide an additional tool for managing symptoms and improving overall health.

Meditation can also help to improve your overall mood and well-being. Regularly practicing meditation can develop a more positive outlook on life and cultivate a sense of inner peace and contentment. As a result, it helps reduce negativity and improve your overall well-being.

In addition to its benefits, meditation can also improve your relationships with others. By cultivating a sense of inner peace and mindfulness, you can become more present and aware in your interactions with others, improving communication and deepening your connections with those around you.

Overall, meditation is a powerful tool that can have a profound impact on your mental and physical health. Whether you are looking to reduce stress and anxiety, improve your concentration and focus, or cultivate a sense of inner peace and well-being, meditation can provide many benefits that can improve your overall quality of life.

woman meditating in bedroom

Resources vs. Resourcefulness

/ Robert Bruton / Leave a comment

“Infuse your life with action. Don’t wait for it to happen. Make it happen. Make your future. Make your hope. Make your love. And whatever your beliefs, honor your creator, not by passively waiting for grace to come down from upon high, but by doing what you can to make grace happen… yourself, right now, right down here on Earth.”—Bradley Whitford

In my research, the one common denominator that stood out to me more than anything. Peoples fear a lack of resources. We don’t have the right equipment. I don’t have a proper education. We don’t have enough money.

All great excuses if you don’t want to win. Throw in the towel before you even get in the ring.

Let’s dispel a few things.

The definition of resourcefulness as it appears in the dictionary:

noun

the ability to find quick and smart ways to overcome difficulties.

“his films show remarkable technical resourcefulness.”

You are learning to become clever. If you say you can’t be clever, I am going to scream.

Yes, you can!

Let’s work a couple of scenarios:

You want to start a photography business. You have no gear or at least not too much.

  • Some of the gorgeous photographs taken with a smartphone. Apple®, for example, has photo contests for its products.
  • Have you seen how many commercials shot on the phone? YouTube®
  • Pentax® introduced a new point-n-shoot and shot all the national promotional commercials with it.
  • Rent gear. Several cool shops offer this service for any camera you can think of including Cinema cameras. I should know I rent equipment all the time.
  • Free editing software. I use an editor called Resolve®. It’s free and very robust. Even pay software is not that expensive to use.

With a little research, you can get smart enough to start your business. Besides, most great videographers prefer simple equipment. You don’t need a $50,000 camera to shoot incredible shots. It’s the eye, not the gear! The expensive gear will come, be great the gear companies will come to you!

How about relationships. Who says you can’t find the right person? Say your supper, shy. Social occasions, you freeze, cold sweats, and disaster.

  • In chapter one, we learned volunteers. Do something you are passionate about that helps people. My guess is you do something in your life that you do well, and the shy you fade away. Helping others is a great way to get out of your head.
  • Teach people something. You can go to the library and offer a class. Can you potty train a puppy, do you cook well, can you bowl, what can you do that you could teach someone else to do?
  • Read to kids at the library. Kids are funny and will keep you on your toes.

Find something that will help you strengthen yourself to have confidence. Then we go out and tackle the big fish. Use things you’re comfortable to do to help you develop.

Most people I meet that are shy are afraid of social interaction. Why? Because of a lack of being in that environment. I get there are clinical issues that can go beyond this simple process. What I am suggesting is if you’re comfortable, to try simple things like volunteering. It’s easy to exit these situations if needed.

The more we can put ourselves in situations that allow us to grow from our fear. The less likely we are to fail.

Resourcefulness is fun to challenge the mind to find solutions to the impossible. My favorite comeback when asked what I am doing at work; “I am making Ice Cream out of dog shit.” Talk about resourceful, forget about it.

However, let’s stop for a second. You would have to be resourceful to make ice cream out of dog poo. The extreme that I want to take you too. If we lack in resources, then we better learn to make this ice cream.

How pray-tell do we achieve this smelly task, you ask? Knowledge, read, research, we learn how. Did you know that Warren Buffet reads much of his day? Other veracious readers include Bill Gates and Mark Cuban. My thinking is if these guys gather this much knowledge, seeing what level of success they enjoy. Well, there is something to the power of education.

When we have a lack of resources, maybe gaining knowledge that shows us how to be resourceful to overcome an obstacle will serve us well. Even if we have the resources, would you not prefer to solve a problem vs. writing a check cleverly?

witty, clever, smart

Something I have learned along the way about having funding for a business. Of course, who would not want a million in the bank to begin a business? However, many who start a business with funding often fail. It makes you complacent. Take more risks in advertising, or we need this piece of equipment. When reality says no, you don’t.

Let me share something with you that I thought was one of the most profound statements ever. Robert Stephens, the founder of Geek Squad®, made this vague statement; “Advertising is the TAX you pay for being Unremarkable!”

What does advertising do it begs people to buy your stuff cheaper than anyone else? Have you ever seen a Cartier® commercial that says; THIS SATURDAY ONLY WE’RE BLOWING OUT ALL OUR ENGAGEMENT RINGS AT 50% OFF OUR LOWEST PRICE. Are you kidding me? Cartier® does not even open the store on Saturdays. If you can’t come during the week, you can’t afford to shop there. Moreover, they’re remarkable!

Think about that metaphorically. You could apply this statement for every aspect of your life.

 Are you remarkable?

  • Remarkable Human Being
  • Remarkable Spouse
  • Exceptional Parent
  • Outstanding health

This statement speaks to resourcefulness. People are much more impressed with cleverness than they are any amount of money.

I could hire a ghostwriter, or I can write my books myself. Writing requires me to be smart. If I can’t keep you engaged in the book, I won’t sell to many. Amid this, I still hold down and everyday Joe job that is a stepping stone to my new life.

Learning to become resourceful will help you gain a great many new skills when no choice exists but to do something or try something. As you journey into that abyss, you will retain more because your focus is more.

You can teach yourself to do just about anything. The question is how bad you want your dreams to come true. Are you willing to invest in your success? The question applies to any aspect of your life. A great deal of what I’m writing sounds like a business success story. This information is all-encompassing.

The only way you can ever expect to win is to have more knowledge than the other guy. Allow you the resourcefulness to amaze. When you can solve issues without having to buy your way out or in, my friend that is genius. Who would you do business with a talent or a dude that has a lot of money (keep in mind money comes and goes)? The genius has a higher long-term yield.

Apply this to a relationship. Who will win the girl? The clever man or the guy with money? The clever man will have to work much harder and do even more spectacular things to win a girl’s affection. A good woman is going to weigh out and respect more the guy who must come up with unique ways to make the girl feel special. Money might buy you a good time, may purchase good food, but a resourceful guy wins over the heart.

If people can see your ability to solve problems consistently, that will take you to the finish line every time! Money comes and goes. Intelligence if forever.

I go back to the photography business. It’s not the gear; it’s the photographer’s eye. You can see the subject in a way that inspires. You can give a $50,000 camera to someone that never guarantees a Pulitzer prize.  For that matter, a decent photo.

Being resourceful solving issues, seeing life in a way that you embrace challenge you don’t freeze because things get tough. Seeing the opportunity in all things is our minds destination. For years, I did not, and gave up. No more!

Today I am always looking at how to improve a bad situation. Looking to be resourceful helps me hone my skills.

This is a Chapter out of Tying it All Together. Link to Amazon

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