The Archer, Stay Focused:: October 2008

By Andrew Burnham - October 28, 2008

Product Resouces

The Miracle of Mindfulness

If your attention is divided between the task at hand and the results, you are cutting your skills in half. Focus is a key to better results. When it comes time to deliver, stay focused on what’s important right now.

The Archer

Tranxu, a Chinese sage had this to say many centuries ago: “When the archer shoots for no particular prize, he has all his skills; when she shoots to win a brass buckle, he is already nervous; when he shoots for a gold prize, he goes blind, sees two targets, and is out of his mind.”

Shooting for No Particular Prize

When the archer is just shooting he has complete access to his skills. His mind remains only on the act of shooting. Nothing more and nothing less is needed from him at this point. Staying focused on what he needs to do right now helps him achieve his result.



Notice what happens to the archer and you as the rewards change or consequences of a goal not realized increase. Now that the archer is shooting for a brass buckle, he thinks more of the goal and less of what he is doing to achieve the goal. Yet it’s the same target, the same bow and arrow.

Don’t divide your Attention

No matter how big or small the consequences are, what the goal looks like, or who happens to be around you, strive to remain focused on the task at hand. By focusing on the task you increase the odds of getting good results. Worrying about the result adds no value and only divides your attention. When you divide your attention you are less effective.