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Law #2: Focus Your Ears

October 17, 2025 by KMMA

Law #2: Focus Your Ears

The second law reminds us that focus isn’t just what we see — it’s what we hear.

In class, we teach students to listen carefully for instructions, corrections, and encouragement. When a Sensei says “Focus your ears,” they’re really saying, Listen with your whole self.

Dr. Stephen Covey calls this “listening with the intent to understand.” Most people listen with the intent to reply, defend, or prove — but true focus requires quieting the noise in your own head so you can truly receive what’s being said.

On a deeper level, focusing your ears is also about controlling your auditory input.
What voices and messages are you allowing into your mind? What kind of music, media, or conversations fill your day? This will become the foundation of Level Two Focus, but even here, we can begin to see that what we listen to shapes who we become.

Leadership Lesson: Listen to understand before you seek to be understood.

Applications:

In class: Pay close attention to the instructor’s words, tone, and rhythm.
In relationships: Listen to others fully — people feel valued when they feel heard.
In life: Choose carefully what you allow into your ears — not all sound is signal.

Prepare To Live; Empower To Lead!

Grand Master Stephen J Del Castillo

8th Degree Blackbelt, Author, MBA, Founding Master Instructor, KMMA

TampaKravMaga.com – StephenDelCastillo.com

Author of Developing Your Superpowers

Check out the Meditations On Mastery Blog and Podcast too!