Drop in TONIGHT with Steven & Friends for "Trying to FOCUS!" with Warriors for Life (WFL)

Col (Ret) Mikel Burroughs
Oct 7
3 min read

Join our Volunteer, Air Force Veteran, Peer Support Specialist, and Writer/Author Steven Bates TONIGHT for "Mid-Week Musings!" edition of Warriors for Life (WFL) Online, sponsored and presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV).

We are asking everyone to share who we are and what support that Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) is providing via WFL. If you know someone who is a veteran, first responder or a family member/caregiver, please ask them to join us for at least one meeting so they can learn more about what we do and how they can share their wisdom with others who may be able to learn from them.

TONIGHT's Topic: "Trying to FOCUS!"

"Ahh, Focus....that elusive goal that is a necessary first step to any project, any mission, any tactical situation, and any problem-solving scenario. We need to focus on the priorities of any situation. We need to focus on seeing clearly the objectives of any goal. We need focus to begin any project in earnest. But what is Focus? Yes, our minds immediately go to the optometrist and the aspect of trying to focus through blurry lenses while trying to decide which is better, option one or option 2, then option two or option three, etc. That is basically what Focus is, trying to concentrate on finding the clearest and best options to proceed in a situation. So, let's adapt Focus to our mental health journey and recovery. We need focus to identify our goals, our priorities, and our progress."

The Power of Mental Focus

Focus is vital for mental health because it helps lower stress and anxiety by reducing competing thoughts, enhances cognitive functions like decision-making and problem-solving, and improves the ability to manage thoughts and feelings.Practicing focus, often through techniques like mindfulness, can lead to greater emotional regulation, increased productivity, and a stronger ability to navigate life's challenges and achieve personal goals.

Key Benefits of Focus for Mental Health

Reduced Stress and Anxiety:
Concentrating on one task or thought at a time can decrease the mental clutter of competing thoughts, leading to lower stress and anxiety levels.
Improved Cognitive Function:
Focus is essential for key mental processes such as learning, memory, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Better Emotional Regulation:
By focusing on the present moment and your thoughts, you can become more aware of your feelings, making them easier to manage rather than being overwhelmed.
Enhanced Productivity and Motivation:
The ability to focus allows you to prioritize tasks, stay motivated, and work more efficiently and effectively toward your goals.
Increased Self-Awareness:
Techniques like mindfulness, which involve focused attention on the present, can increase your awareness of your internal state, leading to better self-understanding.
Greater Resilience:
Focus helps you concentrate on what you can control, which builds resilience and improves your ability to cope with hardships.
Achieving Personal Goals:
By concentrating on important goals and prioritizing them, you can make steady progress and work toward building the life you desire.

How to Improve Focus

Practice Mindfulness:
Engage in practices like meditation, breathing exercises, or simply focusing on your senses to be more present.
Reduce Distractions:
Minimize interruptions in your environment by reducing social media use and organizing your workspace.
Focus on One Task at a Time:
Avoid multitasking, as focusing on a single task can improve efficiency and mental clarity.
Prioritize Self-Care:
Ensure you get enough sleep, nutrition, and take regular breaks, as these are foundational for mental wellbeing.
Manage Your Thoughts:
Learn to observe your thoughts without judgment, which can help you deal with them more effectively.

Benefits of Focusing on Yourself

Join Air Force veteran, author, and Peer Support Specialist Steven Bates with the Warriors for Life Mid-Week Musings Peer Support Group as we discuss FOCUS, how to, why to, and when to!"

Warriors for Life (WFL) Online "Mid-Week Musings!" edition presented by Victory for Veterans, Inc. (VFV) — Wednesday (TONIGHT), October 8, 2025, @ 4:30 PM PT, 5:30 PM MT, 6:30 PM CT, & 7:30 PM ET

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87440882846

Thank you,

Steven Bates

Air Force Veteran, Writer/Author, Peer Support Specialist, &

Volunteer Facilitator, Victory for Veterans, Inc.