Blog – 1-16-19
Last week I talked about goals, and one of the biggest struggles I have with reaching my goals is staying focused. As a creative, my mind seems to wander continuously. I start my day with good intentions of what I need to accomplish, but I can quickly get distracted and pulled away from things that are the best use of my time. I feel like I’m always yelling “squirrel” throughout my day!
Yet as a coach, it’s easy for me to see the focus that is needed in the lives of those I work with. I can clearly identify the best next steps they need to take in order to stay in line with their goals and dreams. I can also readily see when they are losing that focus, and I love helping them get back on course.
The simple truth is, very often it’s easier for us to see things in others than to see those exact same things ourselves.
Yet something has shifted in my spirit this year. I know we are only two weeks in, but I feel much more on track than I have in the past. And I believe it all relates to one simple thing, focus. I know exactly where I want to go this year, both professionally and personally. My goals are clear and concise, and because of that, I’m better able to focus. I’m drawing boundaries around what matters most to me, and it’s helping me get a lot more accomplished. Plus it’s preserving my peace.
Focus is powerful. Focus helps us achieve more than we ever thought possible. Focus fuels success!
Think about light, for example. Imagine sitting on a beach in Florida in the heat of summer for three hours with no clouds in the sky. That kind of light is intense, and you will probably be pretty sunburned at the end of those three hours. Yet if you take a piece of glass and magnify that light, you would literally burn your skin in seconds. Focusing the light makes it much more powerful. Focused light can even cut through concrete.
Solomon spoke about focus in Proverbs 4:26-27:
Mark out a straight path for your feet; Then stick to the path and stay safe. Don’t get sidetracked; Keep your feet from following evil.
Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, is giving advice to his children in these verses. He’s trying to help them be successful in life, something we all desire for our children, and he’s telling them to keep on the path, keep focused, and they will be safe. Keep focused and they will be successful. Keep focused and they will be able to be used by God in mighty ways.
Is focus hard for you too, my friend? I know it’s hard for me not only because I’m a creative, but there are lots of things I love doing. Some I do better than others, but I enjoy doing lots of different things. I’m sure you do as well.
Because of that, it’s easy to get distracted. It’s easy to get off the straight path. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the wrong things. But knowing our destination clearly makes all the difference in the world because it gives us that key ingredient for success, focus.
Marking out that straight path, knowing exactly where you want to go, is the first step to reaching your goals. If you haven’t been able to stick with your goals or even come up with any goals for this year, start by fine-tuning your focus. Keep it simple. Keep it concise.
And remember that laser light and how powerful focus is. Focus fuels success!
Hugs and love,
Jill