A few days ago, I made a social media post that had an image of a horse with blinders on. In that post, I pointed out the importance of focus and how it will be important to have a focus this year. As I’ve been pondering this further, I could not help but think that I should dig deeper into this idea, as I believe that there is more that can be said about the need for it.
The One-Track Mind
Some people have difficulty with the idea of focus because they fear that in doing so will cause them to miss out on something. What they often overlook is the fact that focus is designed to be a guardrail to keep you on task with what you need to get done. You’re probably familiar with the verse that says “wide is the gate and broad is the path that leads to destruction… but small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life (Matthew 7:13-14).”
Even experts will tell you that the idea of multitasking is something that, while appealing or desirable, is actually difficult at best to perform with any sense of quality or effectiveness.
If you study wealthy people, you find that while they are able to do many things, they are not focused on many simultaneously. They establish systems and structures that enable them to do things successfully and with greater ease. I wrote about this last year when I spent a considerable amount of time talking about the need to build. They become the visionaries and chart the direction but create teams, delegate tasks, and oversee the development and growth.
If you study pastors and other leaders who burn out or succumb to failings, it is often due to not having systems or structures that helped maintain focus. Focused time, relationships, resources, and actions are a preserver of all things. When your focus is narrow you are able to maximize speed, remain flexible and maneuverable, as well as create endurance for longevity.
The Necessity of Concentration
Going back to the image of a horse, in horse racing, the jockey places blinders on the horse so that the horse only sees what is in front and not what is to the side. There is a great potential that a horse can become scared or startled by what is next to it if allowed to see more than what is essential for running the race.
Having focused concentration allows you to see the end of the road rather than becoming preoccupied with competition, obstacles, or any other thing that could take your eyes off where you need to go. In business, a common thread for consistency among managers is focused actions; so, a general rule of thumb is to limit goals to three key things that must get done. It’s possible to accomplish more than three but having three means you’ve accomplished your must-do list so that you have the flexibility for including your want-to list.
How often have you made a list of resolutions for the new year that you want to complete by the end of the year? How successful were you at completing it? Did your list have more than three things on it? Did you feel accomplished or that your year went well as a result? Consider a list of three to keep you focused daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annually. See how much more accomplished and successful your year goes.
Having that tunnel vision or focus is a lifesaver when trouble comes. Having focus is not to say that you should become oblivious to the world around you. It is merely a tool to ensure that those distractions or things that could cause you to stumble don’t become more disastrous for you. We all face setbacks and hiccups at times. It doesn’t have to be detrimental.
Let this be a year where you find freedom through a concerted effort to focus.
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