What is your first thought of the day? Is it filled with gratitude and positivity for the day? Or do your thoughts lean toward worry, doubt, and fear? Do you immediately start checking your mental to-do list?

Being aware of those first thoughts of the day is important. Our thoughts guide our day, actions, passions, and overall life. The mind is powerful, and where we direct our attention is significant, especially as there are so many distractions that seek to capture our attention. “The hardest challenge is to be yourself in a world where everyone is trying to make you be somebody else.” — E.E. Cummings

The mark we make in the world begins with the mind, It is our creativity that brings notice. Our ability to see things from a different point of view. We are our most resourceful in our creative space and just altogether authentic in nature. When we collaborate our creativity it is when we create a community, making our mark in another’s life. The only way for this to be possible is through self awareness of skills, talents and passions. Consider why there is such an emphasis on keeping us distracted 24/7—who gains from our distractions, and, more importantly, who loses?

When you think about it, our attention and energy is the greatest currency ever generated. It is the thoughts and actions of those in the past and present that created this very world we live in. One vision can fill a need with thought, planning and action, how amazing is that?

Now is the time to become aware of the situations that demand our attention. Keep in mind—if it does not align with your life goals, by providing an opportunity for growth, let it go. As it can either provide with opportunity or deplete your resources.

See any thought that does not align with your goals are sabotaging your life’s purpose. You have somewhere to be and a creative vision to share. Be aware of energies that oppose this mindset. Sometimes, this resistance comes from least expected places, your old self for example.

Our old self can become comfortable with the way things were, presenting thoughts and feelings of doubt and fear to hold you back. Recognize this pattern and take a leap of faith on yourself anyway. Be aware of your feelings but never let them hold you back.

You are here to live and to thrive, not to survive within limitations. Every creation began with someone who had a vision and the courage to see it through—and so do you. Lock in, maintain tunnel vision until your project is off the ground, pursue your dreams with passion, and reward yourself with the attention you deserve.