They were not there.

Frustration started to set in. Not in my purse. Not in my car. I could not focus. Taking a deep breath, I tried to calm myself.

Suddenly, a “wow” moment! So, I took out my phone and thanked all the engineers that made it possible to have the magnifier app and thus able to read the menu at the restaurant. Yes, I left my reading glasses at home and at 51 years of age, it is an indispensable item! That wow moment led me to focus on the dessert menu and order just the right amount of deliciousness to satisfy my sweet tooth.

Being out of focus surely brought me needless frustration among all other unhealthy emotions. Once I was able to focus with the assistance of a vision enhancer, life just became a bit happier. Watching all those bright sprinkles being generously scattered on my dessert was truly a success.

Lacking focus can cause waves of frustration and negative thinking. To combat this, one must learn from their past, focus on the present to have a successful future. In the meantime, put on your spectacles and enjoy the following tasty treat of tips to help you jumpstart your FOCUS:

F – Find your purpose. Forgetting your reading glasses does not mean all hope and purpose is lost. Lack of focus just means you need to find alternative solutions to challenging situations. Nothing should deter you from focusing on the delicious menu, purpose, before you. Going through life without knowing or fulfilling your purpose, is like reading the menu without your prescription eyeglasses.

O – Overcome obstacles by observing alternate solutions. When focusing on the priorities of life and finding a purpose, one will encounter obstacles. These obstacles show up to test our creativity, resourcefulness, and strength. They are not to be feared but approached with a realization that they are opportunities in disguise. Seeking creative solutions to life’s challenges will prepare a person for the next obstacle. With each obstacle, the way of thinking becomes sharper; thus, solutions become more readily available.

C – Commit to learning. Being a lifelong learner is crucial to personal growth and success. Take note of how far you have come. Mistakes will happen. Learn from them. Forgetfulness will happen. Learn ways to remember. Forgetting my reading glasses was not a setback. Instead, it brought a wealth of life lessons. When committed and focused on learning, you are on your way to becoming the best version of yourself.

U – Unleash your potential. You are capable of so much. It is time to unleash it. The choice is yours. Now is the time! Become a better version of yourself! Self-motivation, self-discipline and self-awareness are key ingredients to help you begin. Be committed to taking one step each day to reaching your heart’s desire with self-reflection. Before you know it, the sprinkles of success will be showered upon you.

S – Success is yours! Life’s experiences, negative or positive, are there to help you focus and grow. Along the journey, you will experience success. These stories on how you have focused, overcome obstacles, committed to reaching your full protentional are there to share with others. Be someone’s motivation, inspiration, and encouragement. Find ways to focus and share with others your success stories. Desserts are always best when shared.

The years pass by, and my eyesight continues to dwindle; yet my focus is becoming stronger. Even though I need more eye drops and stronger prescriptions, (however, I am still reluctant to discuss trifocals with my optometrist), I have personally obtained a clearer vision for my life, a stronger positive mindset and a realization that we are all a work in progress.

That day at the restaurant was not the last time I had forgotten my reading glasses. Good thing there were others that were willing to share their spectacles. I could not wait to look at the dessert menu and all the delectable delights. Life is better when you “see the sprinkles!”

Diana Jaworski, F.O.C.U.S. Coaching Services, is a certified coach, teacher, trainer and speaker with Maxwell Leadership Certified Team. Learn more about personal growth by visiting her website at www.dianajaworski.com.