Determined to Stay Focused to Avoid Distractions
Getting distracted can be as easy as looking out my office window, or opening social media. So many things demand attention and staying on task seems impossible without an isolation booth. I don’t have an isolation booth.
Distractions are all around. They pop up when you least expect them or show up when you had plans for something else. The more you look, the more distractions you will be able to find, which is why you need to be focused to avoid getting distracted.
Daily Inspiration and Encouragement
February 12, 2020
Daily Dash of Twisted Encouragement
The Right Focus Keeps You From Getting Distracted
I’m no stranger to distractions. After homeschooling 3 boys for 17 years, working from home at the same time, and dealing with the shuffling schedule of traditional school, I’ve worked in so many different environments that I feel I could work anywhere.
I can also find distractions anywhere. On more than one occasion, I’ve settled into work only to get distracted and look up to wonder why I settled down in the first place.
Today I had not one, not two, not even three major distractions trying to draw me into chasing squirrels down the rabbit trail, but there were FOUR events that not only demanded my attention but got up in my face to do it.
And I almost bit. I clicked the button. I started the comment. I began the research. And then I stopped. Instead of going off after whatever distraction of the moment, I made the choice to stay focused on purpose and in purpose.
It’s not easy, but it is always a choice.
It’s not always satisfying in the moment, but it is always the better way.
It’s not always what I want, but it is always what is right.
If you want to live out your BIG DREAMS then you will have to make the choice to stay focused on purpose.
Saying No to Getting Distracted
Distractions will continue to show up. Squirrels will dance outside the office window. Social media will continue to scroll past. You have to find your way to say no to getting distracted so you can stay on track to get things done.
- Define your focus. You can’t stay on a track you haven’t yet defined. The better you hone your path the better your chances of making the choices to say on it.
- Monitor your actions. Keeping a record of what you are doing and where it’s leading will keep you from getting too far off track when you do get tangled in a distraction.
- Find some accountability. Sometimes you need someone to play your Jiminy Cricket, sitting on your shoulder and whispering “don’t go there.” When distractions attack, a voice of reason blocks their arrows.
The world wants your attention and it will make all the noise it needs to make to get your attention. It’s hard not to look when the noise starts, but you don’t have to let it keep your attention.
I confess I followed a couple of the squirrels to the edge of the rabbit hole. I didn’t fall in. Instead, I stopped, stepped back, and made the choice to walk away.
Okay, on at least on occasion, I was in the rabbit hole before I realized what I was doing and scrambled back out. I never gave in to the distractions despite the fact they continue to taunt me even at this moment.
It’s a choice. You have to choose how you will invest your time and you will make the better choices for what you need to do when you create the focus that will protect you from getting distracted.
Challenge for Intentional Actions
No to Distractions
Lock in on your focus.
Monitor your actions.
Get accountable
You have the choice. You can follow the distractions away from your purpose or you can protect against getting distracted by clearing up your focus.
Quote of the Day
“Be too determined to stay focused to be distracted.” – Kathryn Lang
What Others Say
Scripture Focus
Today’s Readings:
Numbers 13 – 15
2 Chronicles 1 – 4
Ezekiel 41 – 44
Proverbs 12
Scripture Focus:
“In the way of righteousness is life; in the pathway of righteousness there is no death.” – from Proverb 12:28
Ponder Point:
The answer for your struggles lies in righteousness. You grow up righteousness by investing in a personal relationship with God. You create that God investment by daily making His Word your priority.
Share Moment:
How are you investing in the Word?
Study Question
Dig in deeper to the Word to grow a closer relationship with the Word.
How can you be right with God and not right with others?
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