Staying Focused #2

Henry David Thoreau asked, “Do you ever hear of a man who had striven all his life faithfully and singly toward an object, and in no measure obtained it? {NEVER} If a man constantly aspires, is he not elevated?” Just by striving to become better than you are, you become elevated - even if you don’t accomplish what you desire, and even if others don’t step aside for you. By trusting God and aiming higher, you move to a higher level. When it comes to staying focused, keep in mind: (#1) Focused people always look for a better way. What got you where you are, won’t necessarily get you where you need to be. STORY A family who moved into a new neighborhood got a late start one morning. As a result their 6 year-old missed her school bus. Though it would make him late for work her father agreed to take her to school if she gave him directions. After 20 minutes of going in circles they finally arrived at the school, which turned out to be only a few blocks away from where they lived. Steaming, her dad asked why she drove him all over the place when the school was so close to home. “We went the way the school bus does,” she said. “That’s the only way I know.” (#2) Focused people concentrate a little harder and a little longer. Hall of Fame baseball player Hank Aaron says, “What separates a superstar from the average ballplayer is that he concentrates just a little bit longer.” Focused thinking is the ability to remove distractions and mental clutter so that you can concentrate with clarity. (#3) Focused people make commitments, not excuses. A sign on the desk of an officer at the Pentagon read: “The secrecy of my job does not permit me to know what I’m doing.” It’s a cute joke, but not so cute when it’s true. When you don’t know what you’re doing, you become frustrated and end up failing. That’s why praying and getting direction from God, Is critical for your life. “In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths.” Notice: (1) Focused people don’t live in the past. Too many of us yearn for the past and get stuck in it. Instead we should learn from the past and let go of it. Elbert Hubbard wrote, “Being able to remember may be a good thing, but the ability to forget is a token of greatness. Successful people forget They’re running a race. They can’t afford to look behind. Their eye is on the finish line. They’re too big to let little things disturb them. If anyone does them wrong, they consider the source and keep cool. It’s only the small people who cherish revenge. Be a good forgetter….success demands it.” (#2) Focused people don’t think about the difficulties, but the rewards. If you dwell on the difficulties too long you’ll start to develop self-pity instead of self-discipline. As a result you’ll accomplish less and less. By focusing on results you’ll stay encouraged. Make Christ your example. “He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy He knew would be His afterwards” (Heb 12:2 TLB). (#3) Focused people choose their friends carefully. Always hang around people who will sharpen you, such as people who can teach you something; People who push you to do better, not settle for the mediocre. People who are striving to be the best. My mother used to tell me; “You are known by the company you keep.” People who sharpen you, and people who strengthen you are the ones you want to fellowship with. (e) Rejecters and doubters , people who don’t understand you or what God’s called you to do are the ones to stay away from. So, remain focused and you’ll stay grounded; the praise of others is less likely to go to your head, and the negative impact of your critics will be minimized. Paul told Timothy to focus on his strengths. “That special gift….you were given…keep that dusted off and in use.” Focused people don’t hide their weaknesses or excuse them; instead they focused on their strengths!