You Can’t Get Where You’re Going If You’re Driving in Reverse

“What you focus on increases.” This is one of the most important truisms out there. But what’s less discussed is this: What direction you’re approaching things from makes all the difference.

There is a world of difference, for example, between being anti-war and being pro-peace.

If you’re focused on preventing what you don’t want … you’re still focusing on what you don’t want.

What you focus on increases.

Imagine if you wanted to drive from Seattle to Portland. Option 1: you get in your car, point it to Portland, and drive. Option 2: you get in your car, point it away from Portland, and try to drive the whole way in reverse.

It’s not going to work.

Whatever it is you want to create in your life, find what you want to increase, and focus on that. Don’t try to be less lonely; instead, work on building connection. Don’t try to lose weight; work on increasing health. Put your attention on what you want more of.

Always drive forward. That’s the way you’re going.