Today I am in Tampa, Florida, getting the opportunity to compete in one of my favorite golf tournaments of the year, the Gasparilla Invitational.

It’s one of the most prestigious events a mid-am golfer can play. The club goes all out with scoreboards, big crowds, and parties at night. An environment that makes it feel bigger than a typical tournament.

Last year, I got off to a hot start. I shot 65 in the first round and co-led the tournament. While I trailed off on day two, it was a reminder that I have not forgotten. If you want a chance to win at the end of the week, you have to be focused from the start.

Now I do not know what I will shoot today or if I will win the tournament. But I do know this. Focus matters whether you are teeing it up in a golf tournament or starting your workday. Said differently, start strong or spend the day catching up.

A lot of people start slow because they are not ready when the gun goes off.

One of the best techniques I use with coaching clients is what I call “today’s non-negotiables”. Before the day begins, write down one to three tasks that you will focus on and make progress on. Not the easy ones, the meaningful ones.

Something interesting happens when you start with those hard but important things. Momentum builds. Instead of drifting, you direct your energy. Instead of being reactive, you are proactive.

Focus is the habit of habits. It’s what separates action from distraction. So do not just hope today turns out well. Be focused from the start.

Because that’s exactly what I am going to do today, join me.

P.S. I will try to share some stories on Instagram if you're interested in following along. Since I will be wearing one of our new Optimistic Outlook hats, I will give one away to a new follower.

P.S. The Optimistic Outlook is a Podcast! Leaving a rating or review wherever you listen to podcasts would mean a lot.