How Do You Focus Under Fire?

Can you focus under fire?

That's one thing champions do differently than other high performers. They know energy and action follow focus. That's why they mentally train to focus intently in the present moment, executing even amid distractions and stress.

How can you do the same when it's time to execute with high stakes and disruptive thoughts?

It's Sunday, so let's use a familiar NFL scene: a kicker jogs onto the field to attempt a field goal. The crowd behind the goalposts is a heaving mass, waving and making noise, trying to distract.

What do successful kickers do? Exactly what they’ve practiced relentlessly.

They find their spot, take three precise steps back, pause, find their line, two steps over, and the play goes off. They stay in the present, breathe, and follow the movements drilled into their brain and muscles. They see only their focal point as they drill the kick through the uprights. Only executing now matters.

Not the prior plays, potential consequences, grocery lists, family, or the HOA who don't like the height of their grass. Nothing. Else. Matters. Nothing but total presence in the moment and flowing through your preparation.

That’s a key difference between champions and sporadic performers: focus under fire. They know only the present moment can be impacted by their actions. Practicing mindfulness and focus cues helps draw their attention into tunnel vision when the goal is in front of them.

The same applies to high-performance lawyers. First, dedicated skill and substance preparation. Then, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual training to hone their optimal internal environment. They habituate and mentally train—putting in reps—to excel at tuning out external noise, becoming fully present when they need to execute.

For these legal athletes, it’s not delivering a football through the goalposts, but key game-winning actions like delivering a closing argument or making a crucial negotiation move in a high-stakes deal. It’s the same process and champion's mindset.

Focus under fire.

There are many great ways to build your focus muscle, but mindfulness and visualization exercises are particularly helpful. This week, I hope you treat yourself like the legal athlete you are and spend a few moments daily building your focus muscle. I'm here to help if you need it.