Becoming the Person Who Achieves Your Goals
Concentration is much misunderstood; there seems to be an idea of effort or activity associated with it, when just the contrary is necessary. The greatness of an actor lies in the fact that he forgets himself in the portrayal of his character, becoming so identified with it, that the audience is swayed by the realism of the performance. This will give you a good idea of true concentration; you should be so interested in your thought, so engrossed in your subject, as to be conscious of nothing else. Such concentration leads to intuitive perception and immediate insight into the nature of the object concentrated upon. Charles Haanel
Reaching new levels in life, whether it’s making desired changes or achieving big goals, isn’t just about effort. It’s about transformation. Often, there’s something blocking us from attaining what we desire. The hard truth? That blockage is internal, and it’s our job to figure it out.
Looking at your own shortcomings isn’t easy. It requires a willingness to change, a readiness to look in the mirror and ask, What is holding me back? It’s uncomfortable, but growth doesn’t happen in the comfort zone. Once you identify what’s standing in your way, the next step becomes clear: figure out who you need to become to achieve your desired outcome.
That’s where the real work begins. It’s not just about doing different things; it’s about becoming a different version of yourself. The version that already embodies the success you’re striving for. This means stepping into that person fully, in your thoughts, actions, and beliefs. It’s about letting go of old habits, thought patterns, and limitations that no longer serve you.
When you truly concentrate on becoming that person, you stop forcing change and start aligning with it. It’s like the actor who becomes so absorbed in their role that they embody it effortlessly. The transformation feels natural because it’s not about trying harder; it’s about becoming.
This week reminded me that expansion is about stepping into that version of yourself without hesitation. It’s not just about reaching new levels, it’s about growing into the person who naturally lives there.
I love Haanel’s reflection on concentration. To be so engrossed in your subject, as to be conscious of nothing else. This is the concentration that moves our Dharma.