Power of Focus

FOCUSING STRATEGY #1Your Habits WillDetermine Your Future"It's so hard when contemplated inadvance, and so easy when you do it." Robert M. PirsigBrent Vouri knew he was going to die.The severe asthmatic attack had deteriorated into adult respiratory distress syndrome. To put it simply, his lungs had completely seized, just like a car engine when it finally runs out of oil. The last thing he remembered that night was the hospital floor rushing up to meet him, then, total blackness. The coma lasted for fifteen days, during which time his weight dropped by forty pounds. When he finally awoke, he was unable to speak for another two weeks. That was good, because for the first time in years it gave him time to think. Why, at only twenty years of age, had his life almost evaporated? The doctors had done a miraculous job keeping him alive, when others thought he had no chance for survival. He didn't finish school and aimlessly drifted from one part-time job to the next. Even though his health was steadily getting worse, he chose to ignore it until that fateful night when his body said, "no more." With time to reflect, he came to this all-important conclusion: "I brought this on myself through years of making bad choices." His new resolve was, "Never again; I want a life." Brent gradually became stronger and was eventually released from the hospital. Soon after, he mapped out a positive game plan to improve his life. First he enrolled in a fitness program. One of his initial goals was to win a T-shirt for completing twelve sessions. He did it. Three years later he was teaching aerobics. The momentum was building. Five years after that he competed in the National Aerobics Championships. Along the way he decided to further his education first, completing his high school diploma and then successfully working his way through university. Next, he and a friend started their own manufacturing business, Typhoon Sportswear Ltd., www.typhoonsportswear.com, specializing in producing apparel for retail chains. Starting with only four employees, the company recently celebrated its fifteenth anniversary. Today it's a multimillion-dollar enterprise with sixty-six people and an international distribution network supplying high-profile clients such as Nike. By deciding to make better choices and create better habits, Brent Vouri turned his life around from yesterday's zero to today's hero!Isn't that an inspiring story? Here's what's important: Life doesn't just happen to you. It's all about choices and how you respond to every situation. If you are in the habit of continually making bad choices, disaster often occurs. Your everyday choices ultimately determine whether you end up living with abundance or living in poverty. However, life never completely closes the door to opportunity. Consistent choices lay the foundation for your habits, as youÆll find out in the next few pages. And your habits play a major role in how your future unfolCanfield, Jack L. is the author of 'Power of Focus' with ISBN 9781558748842 and ISBN 1558748849.