Stay in The Pool

I came across a list that Ann had written at A Holy Experience (This is the gal that wrote 1000 gifts).

Her entire 25 point manifesto for sanity in 2013 is pretty awesome.

One point stood out to me and has been rolling and rolling in my brain.

“Stay in the pool.

Michael Phelps said in an interview. “You’ve got to stay working in the pool longer than others.”

Set the timer. Get in the pool. Stay in the pool. Do your work. Don’t get distracted. Don’t flit from one thing to another and back.

Don’t get out of the pool, don’t leave your work, until the timer goes. The way to win is to stay in the pool.”

I agree with what Ann said, she is obviously using the term for day to day tasks, which is what her manifesto is about – making every day in 2013 sane.

For me this is bigger, more about life direction and yes it did make it to my list of 1000 gifts – number 295.

STAY IN THE POOL. This is the key to it. To whatever “it” is for you. It’s so easy and basic and simple…. STAY IN THE POOL.

Whatever your pool is, whatever your journey is, day after day, second after second, stroke after stroke – STAY IN THE POOL.

Don’t be lured or distracted. Be diligent, keep on keeping on – STAY IN THE POOL.

It’s the staying that produces results.

Since reading this point yesterday it is as if a man with a bullhorn has taken up residence in my head – over and over STAY IN THE POOL…..