Energy flows where attention goes.

As you’re probably aware I coach people daily who are working toward their own ultimate performance. There are a lot of qualities and characteristics that must be present for this to occur. Many of these qualities I’ve written and talked about extensively in the past.

Prior to doing an initial coaching session with anyone I have them fill out a quick questionnaire so I get to know a little bit about who they are, where they are, and where they desire to go.
Ultimate Performance Survey.

One of the most prevalent challenges that these questionnaires tell me people face is the challenge of focus and productivity.

Focus is so lacking that we can’t keep our mind on a single point for a minute. Learn more about focus here.

In fact, the only thing that’s more prevalent than the topic of focus is a lack of clarity (a derivation of focus) of purpose.

If you’re going to climb the ladder of success
make sure it’s leaning against the right wall.

It should be really easy to understand that if you’re ever going to accomplish even a fraction of your purpose and achieve your goals, you must achieve a high degree of focus.

In fact, you must move beyond mere focus to a level of obsession.

You move toward what you focus on.
What you give attention to must grow and expand.

In my 30 years of research and coaching with some of the world’s greatest achievers, I find focus to be one of the single most prevalent qualities that they all possess.

The ability to focus on an outcome with monomaniacal intent is paramount to getting what you desire and deserve.

Nowhere, and at no time, is this degree of focus more challenging then when you’re in the midst of a difficult time in your life or business.

Balance and mastery cannot coexist in the same space.
Masters are in harmony with their Magnificent Obsession.

We don’t often speak about obsession in productive terms. Yet, I submit that an obsession is only counterproductive when it’s an unhealthy obsession. Something that does not serve.

Life is never thrilling and “up” every single day. That’s unrealistic;
and not your objective. Your objective is to find your purpose
and to become obsessed with mastering it and achieving it.
Come what may, and no matter what.

The fact is that we’re all obsessed with something. Quite frankly, some are obsessed with their fantasy and lack of realistic expectations.

You have greatness hardwired within you. We’re all hard wired to greatness yet we’ve not been conditioned to realize and live it.

We’ve been conditioned into mediocrity.

You were born into greatness.
But you’ve been conditioned into mediocrity.

We’ve been conditioned to follow the crowd. This is a scientific and biological fact. Fo
llowing the herd served us as a species back on the Serengeti when survival against wild predators and wild
beasts was paramount.

But we’ve evolved way beyond that now. Haven’t we?

Following the herd served us as a species back on
the Serengeti when survival against predators and
wild beasts was paramount. No longer. Break out.

To achieve your own greatness you must become obsessed with greatness. This is true in whatever you’re going after; and you need to embrace it fully and completely.

Once again, we’re all obsessed with something. Whether we like to admit it or not.

Some are obsessed with their physical appearance.



Some are obsessed with money and security.

Some are obsessed with their children

Some are obsessed with their business.

Don’t start a business unless it’s an obsession, something you love.
If you have an exit strategy it’s not an obsession.
~ Mark Cuban

By the way, if you aren’t obsessed with your business then don’t go into business.

If you’re expecting balance, don’t start a business.
 ~ Robert Herjavec

In 2006 I wrote in my New York Times Bestseller Harmonic Wealth that balance is bogus. Balance possibly sounds good, but it’s unachievable and those who talk about it and preach about it don’t have it either.

In perfect balance nothing happens. It’s static; and life and energy always move.

Let’s be frank.

Let’s see clearly.

The most successful people I’ve ever witnessed are monomaniacs on a mission.
~ Peter Drucker

Please understand that I’m not telling you what you should be obsessed and monomaniacal about. No far from it.

What I will assure you is that if you have any desire to achieve a level of greatness in anything, be it parenting or entrepreneurship, the center of your focus and attention must be an obsession.

When you attempt to become good at many things you master nothing.

What’s your One Thing?

What’s your Magnificent Obsession?

He who chases two rabbits catches neither.
~ Confucius

When you find it and follow it with monomaniacal intensity, you’ll have solved the two most pressing problems that I consistently find.

Lack of purpose; and poor productivity.

Is it just that simple?

No.

But from a great foundation the Sistine Chapel and Taj Mahal were both constructed. All else is just skill development and persistent implementation.

All greatness begins with a mindset of greatness.

Your psychology always drives your strategy.
The way you think and feel always determine how you act.

Are you ready to be absolutely obsessed to achieve your own greatness?

To find your own personal Magnificent Obsession?

It’s time to act.

Stay Awake, Love Life and Be Epic!

James