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    Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

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  • Oct. 30, 2009

    Avoid distractions by focusing on the finish line

    By Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

3 comments posted

As I have touched on in previous blogs, I've learned some important lessons at the racetrack. My grandfather was a jockey, my father was a professional horse player and my stepfather ran a bar and a liquor store near a prominent racetrack. Over the years, I saw many horses with tremendous promise except for the fact that they became easily distracted by the crowd or got spooked by the rail. It was common to fit the horse with blinkers — a hood with half-moon devices to eliminate the horse's peripheral vision. They can only look ahead. This strategy prolonged the racing careers of many horses.

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  • National Alliance on Mental Illness
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    1-800-950-NAMI (6264)

Like those horses, I find myself easily distracted. The crowd noise for me is the cell phone, the emails and other techno-miseries. Having a written list keeps me on task. Plus, I enjoy the feeling of accomplishment when I cross items off my list. What tricks do you use to forgo distractions and go the distance?

I also wanted to say how grateful I am for the insightful comments you share as we find our way towards peace and serenity even as we're bombarded by unreasonable demands and drains on our physical and spiritual energy.

3 comments posted

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MY01037

Oct. 30, 2009

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