Having a purpose helps you focus on the present!

When I played basketball and netball from the age of 7, I knew the end goal, I knew my purpose, and what I wanted to achieve – and that was to play for England.

I knew I had to train regularly, both mentally and physically, I knew what was expected of me and how these were to be addressed.  The continuous tracking, with a structured plan, aligned my efforts versus progress to get into the England squad.

I also knew I had to be different to get noticed and be scouted to trial, otherwise my dream, my purpose, would never materialise.  Every pit stop has its challenges of course, and this is where a strong mental attitude kicks in: focusing on the present, preparing for what could happen, being aware of your competition, and always thinking to be bigger and better.

After all the sports training and coaching on and off the court, I now put this into my work life, my company and my personal life too.  This stimulates me to think ahead and have a long term goal, which in turn means I have to have short term goals too – these are my pit-stops, to breathe, adjust, align and refocus.

Do you have a purpose?  Do you know where you’re heading?  If you don’t, try and think about what you want out of life.  Life is so short, so start planning what you want to achieve.  Be proud of what you accomplish en-route and reward yourself accordingly for your efforts.  If you don’t, who will?Your purpose could be to retire at 50, buy a holiday home, move abroad, travel around the world… whatever you have in mind, think now of how you can reach it, and what short term pit-stops you need to put into place to make sure you stay on track.

Oh, by the way, don’t forget to have fun too!