This is not only a term used in photography but is also another way to think about focus. While the definition in the title, defines focus as related to photography, I think it frames what focus is in all things; even athletics. How do you get “a clear and sharply defined image of the subject”?
 
The clearly defined image is your GOAL. The lens is your MIND’S EYE or your determination to achieve your goal.  The action of adjusting the distance between them is FOCUS.  It is easier to believe you can accomplish a goal if you can actually “see it” clearly in your mind. 

In my wrestling career one of the key things I focused on was my nutrition because I knew that to reach the top of the podium I had to gain an edge. I believe nutrition was that edge for me.  Throughout my career I was very conscientious to the food I was putting into my body. This was important to me because I knew it was the fuel that kept me going through long days of competition. I controlled all the food I ate right down to bringing my own food to tournaments and eating only at whole food/vegetarian restaurants. 

In sports the smallest of margins separates winning and losing, 1st and 2nd place.  Most good athletes will put serious focus on obvious training variables, such as drilling, hard wrestling, weight lifting, running, going to national competitions, attending camps, clinics, training at the OTC, studying competition and technique videos. These things are on almost every successful wrestler’s “how to be a successful wrestler list”.  This is why most talented athletes are highly competitive in these areas, with little or no separation between them.  

But surprisingly, many of the wrestlers I know coach and train but they don’t take nutrition seriously. In fact, nutrition is not even a part of their training program. What I see every day is athletes eating with no thought as to what they are putting into their bodies, and to me that is a lack of focus. When I was competing I focused on making sure my body was ready for the demands of reaching the top of the podium by not only preparing it physically, but through the fuel and nutrition I was giving it. My ability to perform on demand for nine-minute matches over four days of competition, and wrestling each medalist (due to the Round-Robin system) as well as making daily “scratch” weigh-ins was factors that were significantly enhanced by nutrition.

As an athlete my goals were sharp and clear, and my discipline to achieve them led to my success.  If a goal is not clear, then the effort and subsequent success will be unclear too.  
 
The more defined your goals are the more precise your focus can be.  The willingness to accomplish a goal can be stimulated by focusing on hard work, sacrifice, dedication, and finding your edge.  I truly believe one of the most overlooked details in sports is nutrition – which could be your edge. Focusing on details can separate you from your competition and can ultimately put you on top of the podium. 

FOCUS --> EFFORT/WORK/ATTENTION TO DETAIL --> SUCCESS   
 
Zero in on your FOCUS and you will have SUCCESS. Stay tuned for Part 2: The Key to SUCCESS.

As wrestling season approaches this is a perfect time for you to learn about the FORZA Nutritional Products equipping wrestlers (or any athlete or fitness aspiring individual) with the same nutritional products that our US Olympic Wrestling Teams use.