Day 28 - Staying Focused

It's hard. I understand. Overcoming our obstacles and the temptations of everyday is challenging. The good news is that God will never put an obstacle in your way that you cannot overcome. So have faith in the power God put inside of you to accomplish his desires.

The easiest way we get sidetracked from the purpose God is calling us to, is we love to procrastinate. Let's push things off till tomorrow or next time.

What are ways that can help us stay focused?

1. Clear All Unnecessary Distractions
A big source of stagnation is what we do in our daily lives which serve no true purpose except to distract us. If you want to stay focused on achieving your dreams, you need to find everything in your life that is distracting you from that.

Some of the big ones for me were:
Television
Video games
Poor relationships
Unhealthy food
Other people’s drama

2. Keep a Journal
Knowing that you’re progressing is a great way to stay motivated. Who wants to keep doing something when they think all their efforts are for nothing? Often times, our growth and important steps towards our goals are overlooked or ignored. Writing down every single positive step you’ve taken towards your goals, no matter how small it may seem, will always serve as a reminder that you ARE progressing, and that reaching your goals happens one step at a time.

3. Surround Yourself With People That Have Similar Goals
If you’re trying to improve your life and remove things which are preventing you from doing that, it doesn’t make much sense to hang around people who are still stuck in the things which you are trying to move on from. This one can be difficult for a lot of people. Some of us are in relationships, and have friends that we’ve known for a long time, but they may not be interested in the same goals you are. There’s nothing wrong with knowing that you’ve outgrown someone and moving on, especially if they have no interest in improving themselves.

5. Take Breaks
Taking some time off recharges and refreshes your mind. The absolute best thing for me is going camping or hiking. Being out in nature is very calming and balancing. All the answers to my questions just seem to be answered so much easier when I’m out in nature. And I always come back with new insights and a focused mind.

(Adapted from: http://www.lifeoptimizer.org/2011/03/18/how-to-stay-focused/)

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The Purpose Driven Life - Finding Your Purpose


CHAPTER 28 - IT TAKES TIME


There are no shortcuts to maturity.

It takes years for us to grow to adulthood, and it takes a full season for fruit to mature and ripen. The same is true for the fruit of the Spirit. The development of Christlike character cannot be rushed. Spiritual growth, like physical growth takes time.

So why does it take so long?

• We are slow learners
• We have a lot to unlearn
• We are afraid to humbly face the truth about ourselves
• Growth is often painful and scary
• Habits take time to develop

Here is how you can cooperate with God in this process:

• Believe God is working in your life even when you don't feel it. 
• Keep a notebook or journal of lessons learned
• Be patient with God and with yourself 
• Don't get discouraged 

Point to Ponder: There are no shortcuts to maturity

Verse to Remember: "God began doing a good work in you, and I am sure he will continue it until it is finished when Jesus Christ comes again." Philippians 1:6 (NCV)

Question to Consider: In what area of my spiritual growth do I need to be more patient and persistent?