Fifteen-plus years ago I started working professionally as a Forrest Gump impersonator/look-alike/tribute artist. I’ve used the expression ‘gump-like’ thousands of times to describe a person, one of their attributes, or to define an interaction that occurred between myself and another.
Forrest Gump had many admirable and notable character traits. One of those traits was Forrest’s ability to concentrate. Being gump-like is being focused. Being gump-like strategically uses single tasking to get things done. Being gump-like uses the ability to focus – and not get distracted – as a way to accomplish long-term goals.
Gump-like is using your skill of concentration.
Concentration as in consolidated effort.
Concentration as in exclusive attention to a single-activity.
Concentration as in being fully absorbed.
Concentration as in unity of purpose.
Forrest consolidated all his effort when he saved five of his fellow soldiers.
Forrest gave his exclusive attention when learning to assemble/disassemble his weapon in basic training.
Forrest was fully absorbed when he played ping-pong.
Forrest’s purpose was united when learning the ropes of shrimpin’.
Using your skill of concentration allows you to exert all your physical forces.
Using the technique of concentration permits you to master new skills.
Using a command of concentration enables you to perform at a higher level.
Using your experience of concentration empowers you to accomplish long-term objectives.
The ability to concentrate is gump-like artistry.
If someone said, “You are ‘gump-like’!” … would you take it as a compliment? I do.
Are you choosing to live a gump-like life?
Next Blog Title: Being Gump-like (Part 10)
Next Blog Date: January 12, 2012