The Magic of Intentional Focus

How the Universe spoke to me through a bowling alley

“Randy, you may not be that great at this…”

When my friend Scootles said that to me while chuckling after our first round of bowling landed me a whopping final score of 42, not surprisingly, I was in last place with a score like that. I shrugged my shoulders and laughed, “You’re probably right.”

But I knew he was wrong… generally speaking. Usually, I am not horrible at bowling. Not great, but suitable for someone who only goes once or twice a year.

With this game, however, I sucked because I was having too much fun poking fun at Momya, CatCat, Scootles, Momo, and SupMom (those are not their real names…lol). During this first game, I lived my best life lip-syncing to Guns & Rose's “Sweet Child of Mine,” giving a full update on how Wegovy made me throw up too much and hearing all about the current gossip.

In other words, I was there doing everything but what I was there to do.

However, with my friends all picking on me for being in last place (playfully), I finally said, “WELL, let me tell you this, Linda! I am going to win this next one. I run this bowling alley!” They laughed. Suddenly my competitive drive kicked into overdrive. I was going to win no matter what.

Because I know the magic of focus and owning what you know.

I know how to line up my stance, hold the ball, keep my arm straight through the motion of bowling the actual ball, focus on those little guide arrows, and then lay that ball down with force and as smooth as butter.

In other words, I had the tools to succeed, knowledge of the correct process and how it is supposed to flow, kept my eyes on the goal, and delivered with confidence and poise. Instead of being distracted, I determined to stay focused.

Guess what happened? I tied for first place with a score of 143 with SupMom (who bowls at least once a month). And while I strutted around saying I told you so without saying I told you so. I was inwardly surprised by the turnaround.

But the lesson at the moment caught me by surprise in that intentional focus and owning what I am capable of applies to every aspect of my life. I can play around and have a great time laughing and gossiping through life. But a life without goals to accomplish won’t reveal the true nature of my capabilities and accomplishments. Bowling is just bowling, but that little example of intentional focus followed me into several critical decisions over the past week that have revealed bigger and better goals. Goals that I am capable of knowing, the experience I can build on, and I know I can accomplish.

All of that while still laughing with and enjoying life with others.