Where Did I Lose My Focus?

Where did I lose my focus?When exactly did I lose the discipline to complete tasks?

I’m not really sure. It didn’t happen all at once—it was more of a slow unraveling.Maybe I just lost interest in things I once thought were meaningful. Maybe my priorities shifted as I became a husband and father. Maybe it’s the constant pressure to be seen and validated online. Or maybe I’ve just matured and realized some of the things I was chasing wouldn’t bring the happiness I thought they would.

I don’t have a neat answer to any of those questions. But I do know this: I’ve noticed the difference. Tasks go unfinished. Projects stall. Motivation flickers and fades.

The Surprising Power of Gamification

One thing that’s helped me reconnect with my drive is the idea of gamification—adding reward systems, small milestones, and progress tracking to daily life. As someone who’s enjoyed video games for most of my life, I’ll admit: I love the little rewards. Even if it’s just a digital badge no one else sees, it feels like a win.

But here's the thing: martial arts had gamification before it was trendy. Earning a black belt has always been a long, difficult journey. But martial arts figured out that breaking that big goal into smaller, achievable steps—like belt colors and stripes—keeps students progressing and motivated. We see progress, we feel progress, and that makes us keep going.

Martial Arts and SMART Goals

Long before I knew what a SMART goal was, martial arts was teaching it:Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound.

Adding stripes to belts before promotions? That’s measurable progress. That’s positive reinforcement. That’s proof you're moving forward, even when the finish line feels far away.

One Day, One Task at a Time

I once listened to a Navy SEAL talk about how he survived the grueling process of SEAL training. His secret?Don’t think about making it through the whole program.Just make it to the next part of the day.

Wake up.Make it to the first workout.Then breakfast.Next workout.Lunch.One step at a time, all day long.

Each mini-accomplishment gave him a sense of momentum—small dopamine hits that helped carry him through unimaginable physical and mental hardship. That resonated with me.

The Kaizen Approach

This mindset is also the heart of a journaling method called Kaizen—the practice of continuous improvement through small, daily actions. You set your wins for the day. Not lofty, abstract dreams—but specific, achievable goals. And every time you check one off, the snowball builds. Momentum grows. Motivation strengthens.

The Real Reason You’re Stuck

So, if you're struggling with a goal, maybe it’s not because you’re too busy. Maybe it’s not about willpower.Maybe it’s because you’re standing at the bottom of the mountain staring at the peak, instead of focusing on the next step right in front of you.

Start smaller.Find the win in the next 15 minutes.Let those tiny victories carry you.