I remember this like I was yesterday. And it happened when I was in 3rd grade. We had our desks arranged in a circle in the middle of the room, and all of us kids were milling around, not listening to the teacher. I can still see the light that was shining in from the windows on the left side of the room. The teacher was super frustrated with us because we weren’t listening (shocker!), so she loudly exclaimed, in a firm tone, “Shut up, sit down and color!”

This was back in 1980, so one could say “shut up” and not fear for their lives, especially to students. All of us immediately stopped whatever we were doing, and quickly sat down at our respective desks. I don’t think I’ve ever heard a group of 8-9 year-olds get quiet so fast.

The task at hand was not to color, per se, but that was my teacher’s way of reminding us that we needed to focus on whatever the next lesson was (sad to say, I don’t remember what that was). That saying as stuck with me, and now that I look back on it, set the tone for the rest of my life. I know that sounds over-dramatic, but it really is true. 🌟

Many of you probably already know this about me, but I have an ability to remain focused and on-task, even during the most difficult of times. When I was younger, and feeling lost (either in school or with my swimming), I would often repeat this phrase to myself as a reminder that I needed to remain focus and dedicated to what I was doing. To this day, people often ask me how I stay so dedicated, and I swear it was that moment back in 3rd grade that initially made me realize the importance of focus.

Throughout my life, I’ve chosen paths that have required a ridiculous amount of focus: being a student/athlete in high school and college, going to law school, holding down a full-time job while training for Ironman-distance triathlons… it all sounds insane as I write it down. 😂 That’s the main reason why I have a triathlon coach- she tells me what to do every day, and I do it. I focus on what (and how) she tells me to do during the workouts; I don’t have to think about what I am going to do on any given day.

That’s not to say that it comes easy to me- not by a long shot! As I’ve gotten older, I’ve found it super helpful to use a planner to time-block (I’m old school, so it’s pen and paper for me; electronic calendars aren’t my thing). When I worked for the FLRA, I would literally block out the time for responding to emails, or making phone calls. If I didn’t, then 1 email or phone call would throw my day into a tizzy, and I’d get nothing accomplished. Since I was managing over 20 cases at one time, getting nothing done wasn’t an option.

If you’d like to hear more about how I stay focused and organized with all of the craziness going on in the world, take a listen to a podcast I did recently with my friends Lisa and Susan. I met these ladies through our business coach, and not a day goes by where I am not grateful for their friendship and support.

And if reading this blog made you think about a time in your past that made you who you are today, please comment below and share it! I’d love to learn more about you guys and how life’s moments have shaped you.

As always, thanks for being here and thanks for reading.

Paige ❤️