on March 5 | in Defining the Modern Gladiator, Editor's Picks | by Wes Roberts | with No Comments

The Key to Being Balanced

For better or even sometimes for worse, we as men have had someone in our growing up years look at us and say something like, “Look at me!”  “Let me see your eyes so I know you are listening to me!”  “Don’t you look away.”

Let me see your eyes so I know you are listening to me!

Masculine souls of any age have most likely had that experience.  Whether it be from parents, other relatives, coaches, or teachers, that admonition has been leveled at most of us.

Having been a bit of a rebel in my younger years (some would add today, “Not just then…sir”), I somehow got into the “habit” of not looking directly at whomever was making that requirement, but looking at something invisible on their shoulders.  That seemed to distract them and their ire—for the moment, at least.

However, rebelliousness aside, I’ve come to realize the innate wisdom of that request.  Most of the time, that admonition was for my benefit. They knew something I was still learning. Fast approaching 72 years old, I am still learning what was suggested then.

This is a final thought in this series on balance.  At the end of Part Two, I stated that there was a five-letter word that was the key to balance in every dimension of our lives.  To be modern gladiators fulfilled, energized, and living our values with creative integrity and lasting balance, let’s get to that word.

Next time you find yourself in front of a mirror or see yourself reflected in a window, pause for a moment and take a good look at yourself. No, this exercise is not for the narcissist. Rather, it is for purpose of self-reflection. It’s for those desiring to train their powers of perception and be strong decisive men of action, those with a powerful desire to be improving men—modern gladiators. Allow yourself to take inventory and scrutinize who you are as a man; be self-refelctive. In this process, also be willing to make changes!

This action—physically, emotionally, intellectually, relationally, even spiritually—is for smart, capable men, modern gladiators, who long to make a daily difference in their world.  The ultimate power in this five-letter word is up to you.

One suggestion, even caution: Don’t throw away the potential of this word.  For every great endeavor since the beginning of time, whether known in history or known only to the one who is committed to living life to the max, this has been the trigger to becoming who and what one has the full potential of being.

focus

Modern gladiators are men who are committed to living life with focus.  Yes, circumstances can cause us to blink at the wrong moments, even shut the eyes of our activities and lives from time to time.  Sometimes even unexpected success can diminish our focus.  Other times we can even experience the occasional “Ah ha!” that creates clarity and focus when we weren’t even aiming for it.

focus

Can one practice focus?  Every athlete or successful person knows that without focus, targets, hoops, holes, hits, or goals, accomplishments are not gained.  Focus does take practice.  Focus increases with encouragement.

focus

No one can focus for you.  Others can tell you to focus, even how to focus, coach you to gaining a clearer focus, but… This key to being a good, fulfilled, active, caring, daring, focused, balanced man—a modern gladiator—is up to you.

Having each other’s backs in today’s world is an integral component of being part of the “gladiator brotherhood.”

Let me know how you activate focus in your own life.  How do you balance your life in this fast-paced technologically advanced world?  Do you allow the endless barrage of information coming from smart phones, tablets, laptops, flat panel TVs, and other techno gadgets rule your existence? Or are you able to focus and maintain balance and keep your priorities clearly in sight—your personal well being, family, friends, work and community engagement? I would encourage your feedback and share your wisdom here to encourage other good men.  Having each other’s backs in today’s world is an integral component of being part of the “gladiator brotherhood.”

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