An ancient Indian sage was teaching his disciples the art of archery. He put a wooden bird as the target and asked them to aim at the eye of the bird. The first disciple was asked to describe what he saw. He said, "I see the trees, the branches, the leaves, the sky, the bird and its eye." The sage asked this disciple to wait. Then he asked the second disciple the same question and he replied, "I only see the eye of the bird." The sage said, "Very good, then shoot." The arrow went straight and hit the eye of the bird.

Focus. Sometimes it alludes us. The ability to concentrate can get so clouded by responsibilities, needs, and life in general. We "miss the mark" on so many occasions because we are looking around at the proverbial trees, branches, leaves, and sky. Once we haze our focus with periphery information and distractions, we cannot accomplish nearly what we set out to do. Even the most concentrated magnifying glass cannot set grass alight if it is moved about. To see something through, we need to hold steady, hone in, and see the goal to its end.

Does this mean that we are unaware of those around us? Do we shirk responsibility to make something happen? Obviously not. But many times we find reasons not to make something happen (take a class, work on a project, etc...) because we are either tentative, lack confidence, or afraid of the magnitude of work involved.

"And how can you achieve such concentration? By recognizing that everything you do is important to God, and is one vital piece of the larger picture of your life." — Menachem Mendel Schneerson

As you approach your next challenge, goal, or task at hand, see if you can heighten your ability to concentrate so that you not only fulfill that which you set out to do, but you do so with panache and precision. What you do does matter; in the grand scheme of your life and the life of others, it is another necessary piece in the divine design. Concentrate with all your might and make it count.