In today’s fast-paced world, staying focused can feel like an uphill battle. Countless distractions are pulling us in different directions, and yet, it’s often the simplest practices that anchor us.
Over the weekend, I came across a story that perfectly illustrated this. AJ Brown, the Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver, was caught doing something unexpected on the sidelines during a game—reading a book.
The odd moment of this photo, found him reading Inner Excellence by Jim Murphy.
Afterwards, Brown posted pictures of the book on social media with highlighted paragraphs: “This game is 90% mental and 10% physical for me,” he wrote alongside the post. “I bring it to every game and read it between drives. I use it to refocus and lock in despite what may transpire in the game, good or bad.”
Resetting the mindset
At first glance, it seems odd, right? A professional athlete reading on the sidelines of an intense game? But for Brown, it’s not odd at all. It’s how he resets his mindset, clears his thoughts, and refocuses. Whether he’s celebrating a touchdown or recovering from a dropped pass, reading gives him the clarity he needs to stay in the game.
His explanation stuck with me: “If you can just have a clear mind, nothing else matters.” It reminded me of my own methods for staying grounded. While I’m not catching passes in front of thousands, the principles of focus and mental clarity apply to all aspects of life—whether preparing for a major presentation, navigating a challenging project, or simply managing daily responsibilities. It can be overwhelming.
I travel globally, and sometimes I am in a different country each week. I realized a long time ago that I must find a way to reset.
MY ROUTINE FOR CLARITY AND FOCUS
Over time, I’ve developed my own rituals to stay focused. These small yet intentional actions create space for reflection and clarity:
1. The Reading List
Throughout the week, I have Google alerts set up for numerous topics that I find of interest. When I come across one, I copy and paste it into Word. I compile my reading list and print it out before I go to the airport. Once I am ensconced in the Airport Lounge, I pull out my list and get my yellow marker to highlight the key themes. Other times I will use Audible and LISTEN to book during the flight.
2. The Walkabout
At 4:30 AM, I’m up, and by 5 AM, I’m walking through the stillness of the city. There’s something magical about the quiet before the world wakes up. Walking in the dark, watching the city come to life, offers me a rare chance to think and simply be.
3. Walking the Dog
When I am back home in New York. The change is Dog walking. My daughter’s dog, Barney, is more than just a pet—he’s a daily reminder to pause. Walking him throughout the day is an opportunity to redirect my thoughts, break patterns, and clear my mind.
4. The Ride-Out
As a child, my father would gather the family and ask, “Do you want to ride out?” With no destination in mind, we’d drive in silence, each lost in our thoughts. I now realize the brilliance of this technique. Today, when I feel overwhelmed, I get in the car and take my own “ride-out,” letting my mind wander without pressure.
5. Reflection and the Three W’s
Every day, after significant moments—calls, meetings, or presentations—I take a moment to reflect. My formula is simple:
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- What worked?
- What didn’t?
- What would I do differently next time?
6. Breaking the Routine
Sometimes, the best way to stay focused is to disrupt the routine intentionally. Reading an article, trying a new activity, or simply pausing for a moment can provide a much-needed mental reset.
LESSONS FROM AJ BROWN: THE MENTAL GAME
Brown’s insight resonates deeply: “Football is 90% mental and 10% physical.” The same can be said of life. Success isn’t just about skill or preparation—it’s about mindset. Before a big moment, cramming in more information rarely helps. Instead, it’s about turning inward, resetting, and finding calm.
As I reflect on my own practices, I see a common thread: clarity comes from quiet moments. Whether it’s walking in the dark, sitting with a book, or driving aimlessly, these moments allow us to step away from the noise and refocus.
A FINAL THOUGHT
Staying focused isn’t about eliminating distractions entirely—it’s about knowing how to return to center. AJ Brown reads on the sidelines. I walk the dog, reflect, and take ride-outs. What’s your method? How do you reset when life feels overwhelming?
Because at the end of the day, focus isn’t just a skill; it’s a practice—a deliberate choice to find clarity in the chaos.
