You may have heard the quote, “You are what you are focused on.” I think this is partly accurate. Rather, I would suggest that you can become more of what you are focused on.
For instance, if you are training for a race, more than likely you are focused on the event for which you are training. If you are asked to speak at an event but are afraid, you will more than likely focus on fear. If you reminisce about past accomplishments, you can inhibit future growth and opportunities. If you focus on the Lord and His mission, there is an opportunity to look more and more like Jesus.
Focus is critical to who you want to become and what you want to accomplish. The challenge is knowing what to focus on.
Charity, my Beautiful, bought me a telescope a couple of years ago. I enjoy stargazing–especially looking at a full moon. The challenge is finding the moon when the telescope is set for a strong focus. Once the moon is found, one can focus on the moon to view craters, shadows, and dimensions. She would say that I need more practice. She would be right!
Here’s the catch, we all focus on something. The hope is that we are intentional with our focus and pursue clarity.
As we begin a New Year, I would like to encourage 4 critical areas of focus for any leader. You may be a leader in ministry, at work, in your community, or at home. Consider these areas as you lean into this year. Then, look back at this year to see how far you have come.
Holistic Self Awareness
How aware of yourself are you in these areas:
- Spiritually
- Emotionally
- Physically
- Mentally
- Relationally
- Maritally
- Vocationally
- Personality
- Financially
This is important! It is difficult, if not improbable, to have a clear focus on the next three areas without distinct self-awareness. It is important to create a dashboard of sorts. Write down areas of growth and responsibility. The list above can be a start. Then create a weekly or monthly review of these areas. Which ones are thriving? Which areas are struggling? What are next steps?
Meaningful Collaborative Journey
Walking alone can be the most difficult journey for most. Have you ever felt alone? I have. It is a difficult slog. You’re not alone. Loneliness is a common theme among leaders. The hope is to focus on finding a small group of mentors, coaches, friends, and future leaders for the journey.
As a Christian, begin restoring your relationship with the Lord Jesus. Invite Him into your plans, mission, goals, and focal areas.
The journey is meaningful. The journey is collaborative. The journey is intentional. The journey is relational.
Preparing for Tomorrow Today
I have been a student of productivity for over 10 years. I have learned a lot about what productivity is and what it is not. I begin with God’s mission in the middle. I want to bring glory to God by making more and better followers of Jesus through the power of His Spirit. I want to love others and myself as He loves. I want to help hurting people find hope and healing.
This will not happen by accident. Productivity is not simply getting a lot of stuff done. Productivity is getting the right stuff done at the right time to join God on His mission for His glory alone.
This takes intentionality, planning, purpose, coaching, and collaboration. This also requires a devout journey with God, with other Christians in a local church, and a clear idea of His presence, power, and plans.
Purposeful Impact
The first three areas of focus lead to this last area. Purposeful impact is for you and others. One can sense the intentionality, creativity, and beauty of God working in us, for us, and with us to create this kind of impact. But, if you are aware, collaborative and intentional, the results will impact you and others for a purpose greater than the one you can create.
What next?
Charity and I would be honored to walk with you on this journey! Six2 Ministries is a non-profit dedicated to your journey in these areas of focus. We want you to see the majesty of being created in the image of God, swim deeply into personal awareness, become more like Christ in the way He created you to be, develop healthy boundaries, and focus on making a purposeful impact for the glory of God alone.
