A Life of Focus is A Life Lived Well

“Devoting a little of yourself to everything means committing a great deal of yourself to nothing.” – Michael LeBoef

I have so many interests I am prone to start many projects and prone to finish few. I will start reading three books at a time but I will wind up putting one or two aside and move on to something else. Over time I have discovered life is enjoyed more and we actually accomplish more when we focus on just a few things.

Focus brings great effort on a small area

Think of the blade of an axe. It is very thin – less than 1/8 of an inch. However, when the small edge is applied with force it will cut deep into the largest of trees. With perseverance and focus on the same area each strike goes deeper. Soon the tree comes down.

Multi-tasking is a myth. You may be switching between multiple tasks but you are only doing one thing at a time.

How to have greater focus

• Have a clear understating what is important in life
  
• Take time to clearly define your values and principles
  •    What are those core values you will never violate?
•  Clearly define your goals
  • Remember goals must be specific and time bound
  •  If you have not written down your goals, they are not defined
    
• Be willing to say “no” to those projects and activities that don’t line up with your values and goals. This has been one of the greatest things I learned in life. No is one of my favorite words.
  
• Know clearly what it is you want to accomplish
• Have a clear understanding on what tasks are required to reach your goals. Goals are useless if you don’t know what are the steps needed to get there.
  

When we focus

• It allows more energy and expertise to be applied to the task at hand
•   We are able to complete a project or reach a goal faster
•   We are able to complete the project or goal with greater excellence
  • The craftsman always focuses on one task at a time. (Click to Tweet)
    
• We have less stress – When applying focus we are not worried about the other tasks that need to get done.

TIP: If there are other things you must work on before completing one, set a time limit or stopping point ahead of time. Once you reach that stopping point, stop, put it aside and move to the next project on your agenda. The key is to focus the most of your skill and mental thoughts to that one task.

Stick to your goals and persevere through. Remember, the axe only removes a bit of the wood with each strike. The axe-man must persevere, focus and stay at the task. Soon enough the job is done.

What do you need to focus on? What do you need to say no to so that you can live a life that is more focused.

Photo Credit: helixsonjr via Compfight cc

LeBoef quote is from Today Matters by John Maxwell

How can I pray for you this week? – click here to send me your request

Be sure and subscribe to my YouTube Channel

P.S. Don’t miss out. Sign up for free updates. Then be sure and connect on Facebook!

About the Author: Jon Stallings

I am enthusiastic about helping others discover their purpose and grow into a deeper relationship with Jesus. It is great to see their eyes light up at their “Ah Ha!” moment when they discover they were created for something more. My hope is that this blog will help encourage and inspire you along your way. Join the conversation and take the time to share with me your own story. I have been married to my beautiful wife Janice for over 30 years. We currently live in McDonough Georgia with our daughter. Our two boys have left the nest and we have two wonderful grand kids. Of course we cannot forget about our dog Bear.