What Should You Be Thinking About?

During my workout, the instructor said:

“I want you to be thinking about squeezing your chest”

It made perfect sense. After all, this specific move was all about working the chest.

I could have been thinking about what I was going to have for breakfast.

I could have been thinking about work (in fact, I started too.)

I could have been thinking about yesterday (for a brief moment, I was.)

I could have been thinking about tomorrow.

I could have been thinking about how my chest already hurts.

I could have been thinking about how I can’t wait to be done with the workout.

I could have been thinking about a whole lot of things.

But, what *should* I be thinking about?

Right here, right now, during my workout, I should be thinking about the feel of the muscles in my chest, squeezing tightly.

And, I couldn’t help but think how much more we get out of things, when we know what we should be thinking about, whether it’s an exercise routine, a task at work, or a significant performance.

Otherwise, we miss the moments that matter.

And we miss the moments that make us.

It reminded me that sometimes, it helps to simply remind ourselves, or ask ourselves, what we should be thinking about in common situations.

For example …

When you start your day, instead of worrying about the troubles before you, what if you think about 3 simple victories you want out of today? (little wins, private victories, etc.)
When meeting with someone face-to-face, what if you think about how great is it that we have this time together? (reminds you that time is the most valuable resource people have to share, aside from their wisdom and insight)
When you’re presenting, instead of worrying about you, what if you think about what can you share that might help your audience? (it puts the focus on the audience)
When you’re learning, what if you think about how can I teach this to others? (it helps you internalize what you’re learning)

What are you thinking about as you read this post?

What should you be thinking about as you read this post?

What am I thinking about as I write this post?

I’m thinking that if I’ve inspired you to get more from your moments, to really engage in your moments, simply by asking yourself, “What should I be thinking about?” …

… then mission accomplished.

3 Thinking Techniques to Improve Your Intellectual Horsepower

One Pitch at a Time

The Man in the Arena

The Power of the Pause

Training Mindset and Trusting Mindset

Image by Lina Hayes.