You Only See What You Focus On
And other enlightening ideas that made me scratch my head this week.
When you’re a podcast addict like me, you hear advice all day long.
Podcasts to me are like elevator music to department stores. They’re playing nonstop. (And wouldn’t my fifth grade grammar teacher would be proud of that simile?)
And, I’ve told you before - when I’m not listening to podcasts, I’m watching/listening to YouTubes or Hoda & Jenna.
Have I mentioned I’m a blast at parties?
Considering all of this, it will come as no surprise that today’s newsletter headline, You Only See What You Focus On, came to me while listening to a podcast. (Sal Di Stefano said it on The Skinny Confidential Podcast - details below.)
The podcast was generally about fitness and lifestyle, and I was walking while listening to it. I honestly, can’t remember the context of what he was talking about when he said the quote, but that’s okay. As soon as he said it, I tuned out what he was saying, and thought about how it applied to my life.
You Only See What You Focus On
I thought about how when I focus on the things that are stressing me out, I feel more stressed out, and come up with more things to stress about.
When I focus on my rushed approach around the green while golfing - guess what? I’m rushed, and my chipping is horrendous.
Conversely, when I focus on the things in my life that are going well… I see puppies and rainbows everywhere.
It’s crazy how that all works.
You get the idea, and I bet you know what’s coming…
You Only See What You Focus On is What I’d Rather Be Talking About this week.
“You only see what you focus on” is a powerful phrase.
While we can’t control a lot of what happens to us, we can control where we’re putting our attention.
If we focus on the problems in our lives, guess what we see? A big Costco Sized Warehouse stocked full of problems.
But if we take a Marie Kondo approach to our woes, and focus on what brings us joy? We don’t see a big warehouse full of annoying people in our cart path and shelves crammed with stuff we don’t want… we see a space full of possibilities.
We see the things we like and need.
It’s the same with jobs, life situations, golf games, relationships… if we focus on the bad stuff, we see the bad stuff.
This isn’t a newsflash.
But, for me, it was a good reminder to be a little more mindful of what I’m focusing on.
At the very least, I’m hoping it helps my golf game.
I’ll let you ponder that for a bit.
Then check out the lineup of good stuff below. Lots to focus on there.
Abbey
PODCASTS
The Skinny Confidential Podcast was the inspiration behind this newsletter and Sal Di Stefano is the guest with the magical phrase. Learn how to create a fitness routine that sticks and give your body what it needs to thrive.
Keeping things positive with this podcast on Fueling Good Energy - a Metabolic Masterclass with Dr. Casey Means.
When we do things over and over, we establish patterns that can help us feel better and succeed in life. Learn about The Power of Rituals with Michael Norton on Hello Monday.
Finally, any success we have is kaput if we don’t have our health. There’s an interesting look at the pillars to good health in this episode of the Optimal Health Podcast.
YOUTUBE
The title of this YouTube caught my attention, “This is Decreasing Our Lifespan.” Find out what “this” is in this episode of the Doctor’s Farmacy Podcast with Dr. Mark Hyman.
If you’re not having a health crisis, but rather a design crisis, check out Caroline Winkler’s YouTubes. Caroline is a sassy designer who talks about design, lifestyle and things that annoy her. She’s my people. Here’s her latest on wall decor. It’s pure entertainment.
And… while watching Caroline Winkler, I discovered a new YouTube channel - WAYFAIR! Omg. It’s a whole new wormhole, friends - so much content on this channel. Let’s start with this video about how KitchenAid mixers changed our lives. (Because let’s face it, they did, and clearly, this video is soon to become more important than anything on your to-do list.)
TRAVEL
Every time I come home from Spain, I say, “I feel like my skull has been cracked opened and filled with knowledge and energy.” (Great visual, right?) I’m probably not describing it the best, but bottom line - travel renews me and being in Spain “wakes up my soul.” The Zero to Travel Podcast talks about the mental health benefits of travel in this episode.
As I unpacked about five unworn outfits from my golf trip last week(more on that in the coming weeks), I realized something… I’m an idiot when it comes to packing. I mean, I’ve been posting all these tips about “smart packing” and the like, but turns out I’m the one who should be watching them. I’ll try again, and this time take some of the advice I’m dishing out. Try - The Only Way to Pack, and Packing Carry On Only for Europe Travel (I honestly don’t see how this is possible, but check out the YouTube.)
FOR FUN
On a lighter note - how are your nails? Time for a mani? I talked with someone this week who got a dip manicure and she hated the color. Is there anything worse than getting a mani color you hate and then being stuck with it for weeks? Prevent nail regret with the latest nail trends.
Second to nail mistakes are wardrobe mistakes… so, you’re going to watch this video about fashion trends you NEED to know this summer.
Rounding things out with the sweetest thing I’ve seen all week.
AND THAT’S A WRAP!
I hope you enjoyed the fun links above and have lots of good things to focus on to wind down the week and enter your weekend.
I’ll see you Saturday,
Abbey