FOCUS

"When you look at yourself from a universal standpoint, something inside always reminds or informs you that there are bigger and better things to worry about." -Albert Einstein

Albert Einstein was introduced to me on a hot summer day in my fourteenth year of life, during a visit to our nation's Capitol.

Sadly, I realized that shaking his hand and sitting down for coffee was an impossible dream!

However, I hear his voice in my mind loud and clear. On a clear day, I can even see him sitting on a bench in the park, slouched over, dressed in his slouchy sweatshirt, pipe hanging out of his mouth, furiously jotting down ideas on a tablet.

While in Washington D.C., many years ago, my uncle took my sister and me to visit the phenomenal statue in his honor. I distinctly remember it had been raining earlier that day, so my sister and I kicked off our shoes, and joyously splashed toward the magnificent copper replica of our hero. It was most impressing that this genius was memorialized dressed in his trademark baggy sweatshirt, and tussled white hair. http://www.planetware.com/picture/washington-d-c-/washington-albert-einstein-memorial-us-dcae.htm

Was Einstein a sad man? My sister and I took turns climbing up into his cold, hollow, copper lap. "He looks sad." I said. As long as I live, I will never forget that day, the pure joy I felt, with my sister and uncle, face to face with the man responsible for the birth of atomic energy.

Can you believe that Einstein lived most of his life broke and hungry? Money did not mean much to him. He was engrossed in work. He was Focused.

Like most Americans, I measure success by my possessions. I sadly attempt to balance the checkbook and recall the theory I learned in math class long ago: "a million times zero, equals zero." Wow, out of all theories I learned.....it had to be this one that applies to my life!!!

I am honored to be admitted to the February Bar Exam, which begins on Monday. The test is a marathon...a test of your will.....a test that will engage everything you may have in your brain until 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon.

I personally have invested many years of my life preparing to pass the bar exam. Unlike Einstein, money does mean something to me and so far, I haven't made much.......

When I was in high school, I ran hurdles. My left lead leg had to clear the bar while my right leg was tucked tightly behind my hip. Of course, I hit the bar over and over again, and of course, fell and knocked over more hurdles than I can recall. After each humiliating fall, I pulled my body up and away from the asphalt, overcame the embarrassment of the failure, stretched the legs out and ran the hurdles again and again. I was physically prepared to clear any and all hurdles. My enemy was my own thoughts and the doubt of my abilities that caused my falls. I know that now. I lacked FOCUS.

Einstein once was rejected from a college, [due to deficiencies in languages and the natural sciences] (People: A History of Our Time).....He regrouped, and proceeded with his life, continuing to progress the various theories that essentially changed the world. He FOCUSED. Einstein was not the type of man who was interested in gaining money, or recognition. He was interested in solving problems, and unlocking the mysteries of life.

Today, I spent many hours of my life concentraing on pointing my left toe. I tucked my right leg tightly under my right hip. I ran, jumped and cleared not one, but all of the tall hurdles. I felt the total and complete satisfaction of flying through the air, as far as I wanted to go.....I must admit, it felt GREAT!

The test is Monday. Today, I closed my eyes, and I saw myself opening the letter congratulating me....taking the oath to uphold the Constitution of the United States, and promising to respect justice. I visualized the day that is long awaited, and saw myself proudly walk to the front of the auditorium to receive my license to practice law. I was born to change the world. All it takes is a little bit of FOCUS.