Focus on winning the gold in the spiritual Olympics

Watch any Olympic gold medallist perform, and one finds an almost superhuman ability to concentrate and focus. The first quality we find that champions have is the ability to focus entirely on their goal. In interviews, they often describe how their life was based on the ruling passion of achieving their goal.

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Some athletes begin preparing for the Olympics at the age of three, and spend every waking moment of their lives working towards winning a gold medal. They do not drift, but set a goal and stick to it. It takes total focus to train the body and mind to perform accurately. Their focus is not just on participation, but also on winning and being the best.

They are trained not only to strive for the top slot but also to break existing records. As one analyses the performance of those who win top honours from those who do not, one sees a high level of focus that helps them achieve the gold. When interviewed about their plan for winning, gold medallists often give the same reply, saying, “I have to focus on my game, on what I do best.”

Winners stay fixed on what they are doing and not on what others are doing. In this way, they give their best and do not lose precious time.

Likewise, in the arena of spirituality, if we apply the dedication of Olympic gold medallists and follow the example of spiritual masters, we will have a blueprint to win the gold medal of spirituality. Saints stay focused on their spiritual goal no matter what others are doing. They never get involved in criticism or talking behind people’s backs even though others may have done so. This focus on their own spiritual progress keeps them from falling into the trap of wasting time on what others are doing. This quality helps them use their lives to attain union with god. This is the gold medal of spirituality — oneness with god.

(Inner Voice comprises contributions from our readers. The views expressed are personal.)