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Michael Fox CPCC,
founder of m·agine!,
is a professional
coach and trainer,
author and creative artist, whose work has been featured throughout
the world.
Do you know someone
who might benefit
from our weekly email?
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I first became fascinated with the subject of focus--or, mindfulness, or purposeful attention--while developing the Heart, Soul, Mind & Strength paradigm, a Christian perspective of spiritual transformation. Notice the emphasis the apostle Paul gives to the concept of focus in two key passages on spiritual transformation:
Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God [Colossians 3:1].
For those who live according to the flesh [the outer man] set their minds on what that nature desires, but those who live according to the spirit [the inner man], have their minds set on what the spirit desires. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind controlled by the spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so; and those who are controlled by the flesh cannot please God [Romans 8:4b-8; fusion of NASB/NIV].
Focus is equally essential to every sector of life where we desire growth including business, family, ministry, and others. Our focus can be directed proactively, but it is more often surrendered reactively; most people focus, in other words, upon the urgent--stimulated by that which we perceive as threats--rather than the important--motivated by that which we perceive as consistent with our values.
Nicholas Hobbs, a mid-twentieth century psychologist, suggested one compelling way to ensure purposeful attention to the important is "to choose activities that push you so close to the edge of your competence that they demand your absolute focus...Hobbs' ' art of choosing difficulties' requires selecting projects that are 'just manageable.' If an activity is too easy, you lose focus and get board. If it's too hard, you become anxious, overwhelmed, and unable to concentrate. Tellingly," Hobbs continued, "one group is distinguished by its zeal for the kind of work that requires you to give it all you've got: high achievers particularly relish taking on risky projects that have only a 50/50 chance of success" (Gallagher, RAPT, Attention and the Focused Life, p. 101; emphasis mine).
Where is your focus right now: upon the urgent or upon the important? What else is possible?
What favorite activity requires your complete focus or mindfulness? What's the learning?
How might "purposeful attention" be relevant to your closest relationships? To your relationship with God?
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Michael Fox
m·agine!
530/613.2774
P.O. Box 9144
Auburn, CA, USA 95604
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In addition to personal and professional coaching,
m·agine! specializes in spiritual transformation coaching,
employing its proprietary models: Values, Vision, Voice and Heart, Soul, Mind & Strength.
Michael's books include Complete in Christ,
Complete in Christ Spiritual Transformation Workbook, and Biblio·files.
Coaching fees are based upon a sliding scale. Contact us for details.
Limited scholarships are available for spiritual transformation coaching.
On the flip side, if you are able, please inquire about opportunities
to fund scholarships for those who cannot afford coaching fees.
View our archives!
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