It’s another one of those nights where I should’ve been in bed an hour ago; but there are many things running through my mind at this time, it’s hard to pass out for the night. Hopefully some Dylan and writing will bring about a sense of yawn and put me down.

Tonight I have completed my second week of ‘Insanity,’ the workout series. Indeed, it has kicked my ass to high heaven but it feels great. I’ve been able to secure a stronger sense of energy throughout the day (since day one), which has made a positive impact to my daily tasks.

Above is a photo of a hole within my brick wall (living room). I have frequently noticed myself staring at this hole during my workouts. Not paying much attention to it at first, my curiosity has risen as to why I am doing this over and over again. I’ve now imagined I’ve figured it all out (took some ‘rocket appliances’ to do so). The hole (and focusing on this) has taken the attention away from the everlasting clock at the bottom of the screen on each ‘Insanity’ DVD workout, which tends to slow down each workout and make it seem as though you will be in pain forever…it’s like watching paint dry (while immersed in one of the most difficult workout programs released). I am able to listen to the commands of the workout, however I visually block out everything else around me.  Just keep staring down the black hole in the wall. It’s not the greatest scenery, but it works.

I then realized that this is what I have been doing ever since classes began last fall (2011). Since my first step onto the VCU campus last August, I have been staring ahead into that ‘black hole in the wall,’ omitting every distraction possible and focusing only on making myself better at the thing I want to do with my lifetime…getting into the advertising business (and overall pursuing a better me. a stronger me). Past worries in life have escaped thought and only desire, will, determination, success have entered their way into my vision.

A basic hole in the wall can teach you a lot. Does that hole eventually end? Does it come to an abrupt block only centimeters into breaking through the blackness? It’s a true mystery. You never really know where the future/goal/dream will lead; yet you focus and drive as hard and fast towards it as you can…never giving up.

For me, the art of focus (deep focus) has made its mark as a new strength. Granted, I am showing a literal ‘hole in the wall’ that I use to assist during my workouts, but that ‘hole in the wall’ really mimics anything that you as an individual strives for…and want bad enough that you will work beyond (what you thought were) your limits to succeed. My true ‘hole in the wall’ is my dedication to education in the creative advertising field. From that point, I will transition this newly learned deep focus to each and every file/client I am fortunate enough to work on/with. Focus helps to understand and appreciate your passions. Focus drives you to push more and more, bypassing the pains and frustrations that some allow to get in the way, awarding you with success and accomplishment.

Keep your eyes on your own hole in the wall. Maybe one day you’ll stare your way straight through it and expose the light on the other side. Your determination and commitments will then be worth every bit of what you are able to see when you break through.