FOCUS: Strategies for acceleration

My husband says I am stubborn! It is not really as a criticism but a statement of determination.

There are plenty of times I wrestle internally, wanting to give up or am feeling inadequate. Imposter syndrome is a constant lurking shadow companion that follows me around with a whisper in my ear; trying to shake my identity and deter me from walking boldly but I still keep pushing forward through the doubts. Sometimes I just have to choose not to listen. That is the stubborness!

'I PRESS ON...but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead."

Philippians 3:12 - 14

Strategies for Focus

Disciplined Action

Paul's passion and focus are "in it to win it!" He is fully focused on taking hold of what is ahead. He knows what he is aiming for, what is required of him, and he is 200% committed to accomplish it to the best of his ability.

He recognises the powerful pull of the past to hold him back and slow down his progress but he makes a disciplined choice accompanied with two disciplined actions.

1. Forget what is behind (that is a choice about what to think on and replay in your mind). Forgetting the past is a change in direction. How can we ever move forward by facing backwards?

2. Press on is the change and turn of direction. It is forward pushing with power and force. There is weight behind this action. The word 'press' means to pursue or chase which means there is also speed. You cannot catch something without acceleration and foreceful directional pursuit.

Once Paul grabs his hands on what he is aiming for he is not letting go.

"I PRESS ON toward the goal to WIN the prize to which God has called me."

Philippians 3:14

A goal is what you have committed yourself to accomplish.

No one enters a race to lose! Pressing is for winning. The two go together!

The Passion Problem

Paul's goal wasn't a career or business advance. His heart and eyes were fully set on living with determined focus on God and fulfilling HIS kingdom purposes. Everything else is counted as nothing apart from this one passion. This is where he focused his energy and drive.

Passion Fuels Determined Focus.

Passion is the willingness to suffer for what you love and value. Just let that truth sink in for a moment!

Willingness to make continual sacrifices will determine what is really in your heart. What you truly love and will earnestly fight for!

If you are not willing or ready to suffer, sacrifice or struggle through and for the pursuit then it is probably not your passion. You will likely lose focus or get sidetracked.

Focus is spelled C.H.O.I.C.E.S

Focus is defined by our daily choices rather than what we can see. Our choices are a true reflection of what we really value and where we will end up. We are good at talking but lacking in actions that demonstrate our intentions. The proof is in what you choose today.

How do you invest (rather than spend) your time or money? What do you say yes or no to?

Who do you spend/invest time and energy with?

The small things matter! What you choose today matters.

We must have the mindset, maturity, and focus of a winner. We must be determined and not distracted. We must make choices that align to our values and direction.

Discipline has NO Shortcuts

As a former professional dancer, I know the challenges of discipline and focus. When muscles are tired and painful, the temptation to shortcut training and practice is real.

Those are the times when dancers (or any athletes) are most prone to injury. Slacking or sloppy technique with weariness and lack of focused discipline can cause injuries that take you out for a whole season (like basketball players on the bench unable to play) or those who never fully recover. The injury is then triggered repeatedly and worsens over time, reducing performance and strength.

We must have the same focus and motivation as Paul and resist the shortcuts. This determination and commitment separates participants from winners!

Focus Requires Training and Practice

Focused athletes are able to utilise their strengths, talents and skills effectively because they approach and use their training and practice INTENTIONALLY and PURPOSEFULLY everyday, everytime..... regardless of what success or failure they had yesterday or last week. It is more than just showing up. It is arriving ready and committed to do the work.

Athleletes and performers learn how to concentrate in all circumstances, all weather-rain, sun, snow; all physical conditions and prepare well for mental challenges so they can consistently perform.

They are ready!

Those who lack focus are distracted by changes and struggle to adjust because they did not master how to refocus in the repeated practice training drills and routines.

Only ONE gets the prize!

Are you focused and ready to choose well today?