Tips to maintaining or regaining your focus

It happens to a lot of us, we start out at the beginning of the year with a great list of goals and plans but somewhere along the way either we lose motivation, our priorities change; sometimes for reasons out of our control, or we don’t follow through with accountability, and the list can go on and on. When this happens, whatever gets you off track causes your focus to be redirected to something other than reaching your goals. Listed below are some tips and scriptures for reading and meditation to help maintain or regain your focus. You will notice that some of these principles may overlap or seem repetitive but that’s one of the keys to staying focused; repetition and constant reminders.

Fill every day with thankfulness The main key to maintaining our focus as believers and followers of Jesus Christ is to first always remember him and the sacrifice that he became so we could have life and have it more abundantly. Resist the option to complain about even the smallest thing. Ephesians 5:20 KJV Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ;

John 10:10 The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.

Recognize your distractions Be honest with yourself in knowing who, what or where gets you off track. Acknowledge if there are people, things you enjoy doing or places that you enjoy that distract your focus or subtract time from how you have committed to spending it in order to reach your goals. If you never acknowledge or see your goal distractors as something that you need to address, then they will remain a hinderance to reaching your goals. Proverbs 4:26 KJV Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established.

Be prepared to say no Sticking with plans to reach goals requires discipline and the very foundation of discipline requires the ability to deny oneself. Sometimes the “no” is to yourself and sometimes you may have to tell someone else no. Prepare to say “no” to yourself and possibly someone else when necessary by reminding yourself that a no to some things today means a yes to your goals for tomorrow. Matthew 25:8-9 KJV 8 And the foolish said unto the wise, Give us of your oil; for our lamps are gone out. 9 But the wise answered, saying, Not so; lest there be not enough for us and you: but go ye rather to them that sell, and buy for yourselves.

Create visual reminders Create visual reminders of your goals or update visuals that you may already have. For example, if you’re planning to buy a house or have a weight goal, a photo of a house or a weight goal attached to a place that you look frequently such as your bathroom mirror or refrigerator would be a great reminder of what you are working towards. Visual reminders can help maintain your focus by providing a constant reminder of what you are working toward.

In the old testatment the children of Israel were given instructions on how to learn and teach their children the Lord’s commandments by posting them so they could be seen constantly. This method still works today as a way of retaining information. Bulletin boards are a teachers best friend for this same reason. Creating and posting visuals is a great way to provide motivation and keep your goals in your line of sight. Deuteronomy 11:18-20 KJV And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates:

Talk about your vision Talking about your visions, dreams and goals is just as important as

writing them down. Speak life over your goals by thanking God in advance and glorify him for what will be accomplished. Mark 11:24 KJV Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.

Proverbs 18:21 KJV Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.

Ask for wisdom on how to help others without losing your focus Recognize that everyone’s crisis is not your crisis. Know your limits for when helping others that are not your direct responsibility can get you off focus. Setting boundaries or limits to how much of your time, energy and resources can be shared with others while at the same time keeping your own goals as a priority is vital in maintaining your focus. For example, whether it is encouragement, an empathetic ear, financial help, or a comforting presence that you are able to provide to a friend or family member in need, ask God for wisdom on the best way to help while maintaining focus on your own priorities. James 1:5 KJV If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

Do an Accountability Check

Seek wise partners for help keeping you accountable and ask for feedback. Whatever your goals are; encouragement and motivation that helps keep you focused can be priceless.

Proverbs 10:14 KJV Wise men lay up knowledge: but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.

Proverbs 19:20 KJV Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in the latter end.