What is standing between you and your dreams?
Distraction.
In other words, all the little stuff that grabs at your attention every day and keeps you from focusing on where you really want to go.
The problem with distraction is that it comes dressed in very clever disguises. It puts a dazzling display of our life on a small screen when we could have our lives playing out more brilliantly on a bigger, more significant screen.
Distraction is only interested in keeping you entertained long enough to miss the real picture – the big picture. When you focus on the seemingly good thing in front of you (changing the colors for your website, taking a call from a friend in need or binge-watching Netflix), you’re not looking in the direction that God is telling you to look.
Here are 6 things I do on a regular basis to defeat distraction and maintain my focus:
1. Get Started
Sometimes what’s most distracting is the unfinished tasks surrounding you. You can spend much more time worrying and being anxious about a project than it would take to actually complete it. Remember, what you focus on you magnify. Focusing on the potential problems will make it bigger than it really is. Focusing instead on getting started is a big secret to getting ahead.
2. Clear the Clutter
Anything around you that is not either inspiring, beautiful or useful is an energy drain. I like to say delete whatever is depleting you. And I’m not talking just the in-box that makes you cringe or bills on the table, it’s also the mental clutter. As miraculous, beautiful and wonderfully complex as the mind is, you can easily clutter your mind with more than it can handle. When you remove the overwhelm in your mind (click here to learn how you can conquer being overwhelmed), then you actually have a clearer path to hear your own voice. And, clean up your physical environment while you’re at it. Studies show that this can almost instantly create inner harmony and clarity.
3. Get Still
Many distractions can be eliminated simply by proactively creating some quiet time for yourself. Turn off the TV, take a bath instead of a shower, or set aside 15 minutes of prayer and reflection time each day. Make room for God’s voice to come for a visit—better yet, a nice, long stay. Pause to see what God is already sending (click here to learn how you can get still with God). Remember, God is a supplier and provider. The key is to have eyes to see and ears to hear. Instead of reacting today, I urge you to respond with Heaven’s heart to all that comes your way. Ask God to give you HIS glasses!
4. Wait for Confirmation
No matter how confusing or clear things might appear, resist the temptation to act prematurely. The Bible says, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6). Once you present your petition, pause and wait for permission. And learn the beauty of knowing when to say YES (click here to learn how saying “yes” to everything is dangerous). Never board an unconfirmed trip—the destiny attached to your destination is too important.
5. Look for the Value Proposition
When you are evaluating your next step, relationship, or business move, prayerfully reflect upon the value the situation provides. Be sure to look at the present and future value of taking this step, not just the past value (enjoyment, escape, temporary relief) you have received from it.
6. Be Patient
God says, “Trust me, not the clock.” God matures you before He moves you into your next season. So when the going gets tough, remember that God’s appointment has no expiration date. Taking the right actions and knowing when to wait for more information requires your patience, strength and wisdom.
Here’s the thing: Distractions are easy; they are no-brainers. Your destiny is so important… and it takes time. Breathe and draw strength from keeping the focus on it.
What are the main distractions keeping you away from your destiny?
Now… what is that person, task, opportunity, or situation adding to your life or business?
What is it subtracting? If something is truly costing you, let discernment tell you whether or not it is worth it.