Where is your focus, and where is mine?

Regardless of whether we are aware of it or not, we are always focusing on something. What most people don't do is exercise their right to control where they focus. I am aware of this, and even though I know I have control of my focus, I can sometimes let my thoughts drift into the realm of negativity as well.

I can only imagine how much time most people spend on focusing on the negative side of things. It is pretty obvious when you hear people talk about things. If they are predominantly spending their time complaining, it is obvious where their focus is.

The challenge is to catch yourself thinking negatively, or complaining about something, and cut yourself off right there. While physically easy, it can be mentally exhausting at first. But, like anything else, it gets easier with time and use.

The problem as it applies to teachers in Korea is that it is not hard to find things to think negatively about. With so much different going on around you, people find it very easy to pick on these discrepancies and spend a good amount of energy on finding the things they dislike, as opposed to the things they like. This is not going to make for a good day!

So, take the challenge and try to cut out negative thinking and complaints for a full week. If you can, you'll definitely notice a difference in your mood everyday. At the very least, be aware of what proportion of your time you spend thinking and talking negatively. Ask yourself if you are happy with that?

I will do the same!

Jason