Not that another word needs to be written about Tiger Woods latest superhuman feat…victory over the likeable, underdog, everyman Rocco Mediate’s on a sudden death hole at the U.S. open…

But I just can’t help but comment on Tiger’s secret weapon: focus.

As David Brooks writes in a New York Post Op Ed,  Tiger has cemented his legacy as the embodiment of immortal excellence.  But why?  As Brooks puts it, “In a period that has brought us instant messaging, multitasking, wireless distractions and attention deficit disorder, (Tiger) Woods has become the exemplar of mental discipline. After watching Woods walk stone-faced through a roaring crowd, the science writer Steven Johnson, in a typical comment, wrote: “I have never in my life seen a wider chasm between the look in someone’s eye and the surrounding environment.”

Out here in the real world, meanwhile, we mortals are more frustrated than ever as we succumb to the noise and distraction.  If we’re honest, even those among us who have rise to the top of an organization because of focus and hard work find it virtually impossible today to stay centered and keep our eye on what’s important.  As Brooks comments “…Today  I’ve been trying to write this column, I’ve toggled over to check my e-mail a few times. I’ve looked out the window. I’ve jotted down random thoughts for the paragraphs ahead. But Woods seems able to mute the chatter that normal people have in their heads and build a tunnel of focused attention.”

What is the secret to focus?  It’s more than discipline.  Discipline is an outward sign of focus but not the driver.  What allows us to focus is not discipline.  It is purpose.  A purpose that is big, exciting, and worth pursuing.  People who are clear about purpose are energized and find it easy, not hard, to focus.  Focus on your purpose is almost like play.  

The Novelist, brilliant debater, and England’s first and only Jewish prime minister Benjamin Disraeli said, “Nurture your mind with great thoughts.”  Disraeli was elected to Parliament in 1837 after failing to win election in four earlier tries.   He eventually became know as the leader of the Conservatives in the Commons.  He became prime minister for a second time at age 70.

Nurture your mind with great thoughts, discover the passion that energizes you and you will focus.  It’s a lot easier to let your Blackberry sit in its case for an hour or two when you are simply excited about … where you are going and why.

To read David Brooks’ column:

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/06/17/opinion/17brooks.html?_r=1&oref=slogin 

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