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David Goggins, motivational speaker, says something that really resonates with me. He says "when you think you're done, you're only at 40% capacity."

I don't know if my percentage is 40%. But I agree with his point. I always tell myself: "You have another gear."

Whenever I think I'm too tired to paint, or write, or create, or give, or share -  I'm wrong. I have another gear. It's human nature to protect ourselves, to slow down when it gets hard, and underestimate what we're capable of. Sometimes that's okay. But sometimes we need to give a little more. We have to sweet-talk ourselves out of mediocrity.

I sweet-talk myself by saying "Just do a little, Raven, 10 minutes, then you can quit."  Four hours later, I'm amazed at what I've gotten done!

I think the reason we're so tired is because of scattered attention. All day long, we're interrupted. We have things beeping and tweeting at us day in, and day out. We have ads drifting into our awareness every few minutes. Doom scrolling is a national pastime.

Scattered attention is draining. It leads to low-quality thinking. It leaks energy and zombifies us. We feel like we've run a marathon, even if we've been sitting in a desk chair for hours.

We do better when we focus on one thing.  One-pointed attention is what my first meditation teacher, the late Eknath Easwaran called it. It's when you give 100% of your focus to one activity, one person, one thing at a time. One-pointed attention conserves our mental energy and allows us to access that next level of personal greatness.

When I'm frugal with my attention, I find that I have the resources later to spend on activities that matter to me.  I'm able to work a little longer, do a little better, push myself a little harder to work towards my goals.  It's not about hustling and grinding; it's about maximizing my potential.

And the only way to max out our potential is to shift into that next gear.  Just a little bit more. Just a little bit longer. Soon enough, that "next gear" becomes the new normal. You look around and can't believe the dreams you've accomplished! 

All it takes is that little extra reach, day after day after day. Put yourself to the test. Find out what your max really is. I bet you'll  surprise yourself!

One way to maximize your potential is by joining my VIP list here. The results of this month's raffle were revealed in today's newsletter. Join the VIP list today so you can be eligible for next month. Win a free digital painting or drawing and a personal blessing from me!

Till next time,

Raven