May 1, 2014
Refocusing
Refocus back to the present when you get distracted.
We all get distracted from time to time. It’s hard for professional athletes to stay focused for long periods of time. The important thing to remember is to refocus on what it is you are doing quickly. Whether you are doing homework, taking a test, playing a sport, of working around the house, it is easy to get distraction. There are so many things today that are desiring your attention. From TV, music, to social media, it can be difficult to stay focused. I always recommend that people have a trigger word that gets them back to the now. A word that brings them back to what they were focused on before they were distracted. Choose a word that you won’t forget and that will remind you to refocus immediately. This way when you lose focus you can regain it quickly. The problem isn’t so much the losing focus, because we all do. The problem lies with not regaining our focus. The people that regain their focus quickly are the ones that will be successful. Are you able to refocus quickly?
April 2, 2014
Are You Devoted
Being devoted to something means you are loyal to it by giving of your time, affection and resources.
What are you devoted to? Many people today are devoted to certain restaurants, television programs and even their cell phones. And there’s nothing wrong with any of that, but we have to examine our own hearts and see if we are being devoted to what God has called us to. Are you being devoted to the people God has placed in your life? Are you honoring others above yourself? The world’s system says to “look out for number one — yourself,” but God’s system says “look out for others, and I will look out for you.” Today, as you examine your own heart and life, ask God to show you ways that you can honor others. One way is by being faithful to your word. Be a person of integrity and honor. As you live your life devoted to one another, you are honoring God. And He will repay you for your kindness and reward you in this life and in eternity. Are you devoted to what God has asked?
March 14, 2014
Focus
Focusing on what you are trying to avoid, instead of what you are trying to accomplish is a trap you don’t want to be in.
If you are going to live the life you desire, you have to be very selective about what you give your time and attention to. You have to recognize which thoughts to ignore, which comments to ignore, and sometimes, which people to ignore. Every “battle” that comes across your path is not a battle that you’re supposed to fight. Many battles are simply distractions to try to lure you off course. If that battle is not between you and your destiny, it’s a battle you should ignore. Many people get thrown off course because they are always trying to straighten everyone else out or win their approval. But if that’s your focus, you are wasting valuable time and energy that you should be using to pursue your dreams. Turn away from that distraction! You don’t need the approval of everyone around you; you only need God’s approval! It’s very freeing when you realize you don’t have to fight every battle. You don’t have to straighten people out. You don’t have to pay somebody back. Instead, focus on what matters, focus on what you are supposed to do so you can live in peace and victory every day of your life! What you are focused on today?
February 26, 2014
Refocus
Release negative thoughts and refocus back to the present when you get distracted.
During the 1990’s, Jose Lima was the star pitcher for the Houston Astros. One season, he won 20 games and was considered one of the best pitchers in the league. When the Astros moved from the Astrodome to their new ballpark, the fence in left field was much closer than the fence in the Astrodome. It favored the hitters and made it more difficult on the pitchers. The first time Jose Lima went to the new ballpark, he stood on the mound, looked at the fence, and the first words out of his mouth were, “I’ll never be able to pitch in here. The fence is way too close.” Sure enough, he went from being a 20-game winner to a 16-game loser. It was one of the biggest negative turnarounds in the history of baseball. What happened? He spoke defeat to his future. Today, don’t be beat by the words of your mouth. When negative thoughts come, don’t speak them out; instead, speak life. Speak hope. Speak blessing. Speak what you seek! Speak the truth so you can move forward in the victory prepared for you! Are you ready to refocus on winning?
February 11, 2014
Get Focused
It’s easy to get focused on what’s wrong in life, what we don’t have, and how big our obstacles are.
If we’re not careful, we’ll lose sight of all the good things in our live. We’ll take for granted our family, friends, health and the opportunities we have been blessed with. We’ll get so busy and stressed out that we won’t appreciate the gift of today. What’s happened? Our perspective has gotten off. Perspective is all about how we see a situation. There’s power in your perspective because you will draw into your life what you constantly meditate on. Business may be slow. The economy may be down. The wrong perspective is, “I’ll never make it. It’s just too much.” The right perspective is, “I was created with a purpose, I am loved, appreciated and valuable.” Today, I encourage you to evaluate your perspective. Remember, as you set your perspective in the right direction, your life will follow. What is your perspective today?
October 27, 2013
Life Control
Things don’t go wrong and break your heart so you you become bitter and give up. They happen to break you down and build you up.
Let me ask you today, what are you letting have control in your life? In other words, what are you focusing your words, energy and thoughts on? You might say, “Scott, it’s just so hard right now. I’ve lost some money.” “My health doesn’t look good.” “Somebody walked out on me.” No, you’re focusing on the wrong things. You’re letting defeat, discouragement and self-pity rise up. Why don’t you turn that around and say, “God is still in control. Somebody may have walked out on me, but I know God is going to bring me somebody better.” “I may be hurting right now, but I know God is Friend.” “I may have lost money in the stock market, but I’m not worried. I know God is my provider. He is supplying all of my needs. He is fighting my battles.” When you start giving God glory and letting Him arise in your life, you can’t stay defeated. Your enemies will be scattered! They’ll tremble at your words of faith. Begin right now by declaring God’s goodness in your life and let Him arise so that you can move forward in the victory He has for you. What’s your focus?
September 9, 2013
Staying Focused
A lack of focus for even a short period of time can cost you.
Staying focused for a long period of time can be difficult for some. But even for those that lose focus for a short time period it can be costly. It is imperative that we stay focused on the important things in our lives. We have to focus on what we can do, the other is not for our attention. There are only a few things that we can actually do and have control over. Those are the things that we need to focus on. Determine what it is in your life that requires your immediate attention. What is it that you are in control of? Notice I didn’t say who, we aren’t to control other people. By focusing on what we control and what we are supposed to do; we cut out a lot of distractions. Remember, losing your focus even for a short time can cost you. Stay attentive on your responsibility. Stay focused on what you are supposed to do. Are you staying focused today?
August 15, 2013
Focus on What You Have
Focus on what you have today.
The Bible talks about how God has given us the power to enjoy what is given to us. That simply means that I don’t have the power to enjoy your life. You may have more success, more money, more friends or a better job, but if you put me in your life, I’m not going to enjoy it. We are uniquely designed to run our own race. When we truly understand this, we won’t be tempted to compare or wish we had what someone else has. You won’t think, “If only I had their talent…” No, if God wanted you to have that talent, He would have given it to you. Instead, take what you have and develop it. Make the most of it. Don’t think, “If only I had her looks…” No, God gave you your looks. That’s not an accident. The life you have has been perfectly matched for you. Now, you’ve got to do your part and get excited about your life. Be excited about who you are — your looks, your talent, your ability, your personality. Are you focusing on what you have today?
August 8, 2013
See a Little
Focus is an ability to zero in on what’s important and being able to avoid distractions to complete the task.
There are so many distractions coming at you today. Technology is a major distraction, maybe more than it’s a help at times. However, you have to be able to set your focus on what is important and not let distractions distract you. See a little; see a lot, see a lot; see a little. That means, the smaller you can focus, the more you see. When you focus in a one small detail, you see the whole picture more clearly. When you try to focus on the whole picture at once you miss the details. Get zeroed in on the task at hand today. Develop a mindset that nothing is going to distract you from being focused. Focusing is just like anything else, it takes practice to sharpen the skill. Know the task you need to finish, see the finish and then complete the task. You can do this, I believe in you and what is inside you. You have the ability and the desire. Are you seeing a little seeing a lot today?
August 7, 2013
Balanced Focus
Balance is a crucial element in the art of maintaining focus.
In life, it’s easy to get so focused on our dreams and goals, the things we want, that it consumes us. We can get to the point where we’re not happy, and we’re not going to be happy until it happens. But I’ve found that if we have to have something in order to be happy, our lives are out of balance. When our goals and dreams start to frustrate us, and we lose our peace and we’re not enjoying life, that’s a sure sign that we’re holding on too tightly. What’s the solution? You’ve got to release it. Freedom comes when you say, “God, I’m turning it all over to You. You know my desires, and You know what’s best for me. I’m choosing to trust You and Your timing.” When we learn to be content whatever the circumstances, the power of the enemy is broken. It takes away his ability to frustrate us. Not only that, but by our actions we are showing our faith in God. When you choose to trust in His timing, you can live in peace, you can live in joy, and you can rest in Him, knowing that He has good things in store for your future. Are you balanced in your focus?