Deleting Distractions & Maximizing the Power of Positive Focus

AS A WAY OF INTRODUCTION

This may no longer be news to many that; we are very likely to encounter temptations more; at the point of our desperation compared to other seemingly pleasant circumstances at certain points of our lives.

However, there are chances that more people may “give in” to these tempting situations rather than stand their ground and “not give in”; it is also very normal for the action of “giving in” to result to consequences that could turnout negative and very harmful in the long run.

Stay with me as I unveil more about this very sensitive subject; with the inclusion of relevant experiences and insights as to the possibility of successfully rising above this area of potential limitation to win ultimately.

Let’s do this!

DISTRACTION IN VIEW

Distractions from my perspective can be referred to as that element (person or thing) that takes you (the victim) off course either knowingly or unknowingly. In most cases, this activity can go on with or without your “conscious” permission.

The resultant effects include;

· Inability to pay attention

· A show of low or no interest at all in those factor(s) that requires top priority

· Showing more interest on those factor(s) that only possess the potential to shift away your attention from what is truly important at the moment.

One thing to note about this kind of activity is that; the distracted who is the victim may have a clear idea, blurred image or no clue at all of the consequences he or she is likely to face at the completion phase of that distractive activity (if I may).

The Almaany English-Hebrew Dictionary describes the term “distraction” as synonymous with; confusion, mental confusion, confusedness, disarray, inattention, beguilement, entertainment, amusement, misdirection, revision and alteration.

Other synonyms include; perplexity, abstraction, disturbance, perturbation, agitation, inattention, absence, frenzy, madness, alienation, aberration, delirium, mania, derangement and lunacy.

This is to say that the experience of distraction in itself can also stem from our feelings and not just external forces, outside of us.

However, let it be clear that the resultant effect from any form of distraction in the context of this publication is sure to end up a very “disempowering” one.

DANGERS OF DISTRACTION

From my submission above, there may be no need to even stress further the dangerous nature of allowing ourselves to get distracted while on our journey to fulfilling our destiny which was already purposed for our individual lives before God formed us.

Notwithstanding, I still deem it necessary to passionately outline some of the dangers of permitting appearances of distractions; very likely to meet up with us in the course of our life’s journey.

Note that these distractions are both physical and spiritual; by implication the wider your understanding of this concept the better positioned you will be to avoid or come out of any current distractive tendencies you may be facing at the moment.

Some of which could include but not limited to;

· Imminent frustration

· Eventual abortion of life and destiny

· Missed opportunities

· Delayed expectation(s)

For the purpose of this publication I will summarize these dangers in the light of different experiences of the Israelites on their way to the land of promise (Canaan); which was captured in many books of the Old Testament in the Holy Bible.

1. Imminent frustration

Frustration has everything to do with the lack of progress, experiencing some levels of failure, or the inability to attain fulfillment in a particular endeavor.

This was what the children of Israel faced during their journey to the promise land.

Some characteristics they exhibited that contributed greatly to their frustration included; murmuring, following after other gods, impatience amongst other provocative display of attitude.

There is a great tendency for our thoughts to get so unclear at a place of frustration that we end up wishing to go backwards, rather than forward, this was clearly seen in Numbers 11:5–6, 14:1–4 where the children of Israel began nursing negative thoughts to return to the land of Egypt where they fomally endured many sufferings.

2. Eventual abortion of life and destiny

Yielding to forces of distraction of any realm at all can be so destructive that its victims may not even make it to the finish line or be counted as survivors if at all, during the course of the journey.

Numbers 14:29–30 is a clear example of some of the judgments God passed upon the Israelites with the exception of Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun.

Indeed Joshua 5:6 clearly mentioned where the Israelites were intentionally taking out or allowed to be “consumed” as a result of their succumbing to several appearances which shifted their focus on the journey to the land of promise.

3. Missed opportunities

There is a saying that there always exists a life cycle or span for every opportunity that presents itself. One very negative thing “distraction” does is to help you watch or even turn a blind eye to any opportunity that would most likely present itself at any point that you are actually being distracted.

Of course, the children of Israel (who couldn’t make it) certainly missed the opportunity to be witnesses of what it would have felt to actually dominate a space or exist with the confidence of ownership and liberty; which was to be in the land of Canaan.

4. Delayed Expectations

It is advisable that we check ourselves thoroughly; both physically and spiritually just to be sure that we are not in any way negative contributors to our long awaited manifestation.

I am of this perspective because the Israelites while at the verge of taking charge of the land designed for them; made the costly mistake of doubting their ability to conquer the said territory which tuned out to be the prerequisite for possessing the land! Numbers 13:31–33, 14: 1–12

IDENTIFYING DISTRACTIONS

It is believed that one of the first steps to gaining control of distractions likely to come your way is by the single acts of identifying them and getting them in perspective before thinking of possible ways to either deal with or eliminate them. Below are some signs you may need to consider;

1. Thinking of so many things at the same time when your intention is to carry out a particular task already in front of you.

2. When you are already on a task but not getting anywhere close to progress.

3. When you feel your attention getting drained away from a future goal you are already in the process of achieving.

4. When you instinctively have that feeling of being caught doing the right thing at the wrong time or vice versa.

5. When you don’t know what to say or think any more (in the constructive sense) about a particular matter.

6. When you feel lost.

We will stick with this bullet points for the purpose of moving ahead.

ABOUT THE JOURNEY

For the purpose of this publication, “the journey” will matter more to those who already nurse strong desires to better understand the actual plan and purpose expected of their lives on earth; as well as those already on that course of discovery.

I am also convinced that those who are fulfilling that purpose already will easily relate with my message and probably spot one or more grey areas which pertain to them as the case may be.

There is so much to life’s journey that can be considered unique, different and greatly dependent on individual experiences. Notwithstanding, it may feel peculiar at some point to that of others in some cases.

The journey in itself will be filled with so much uncertainties, twists, turns and even confusion at certain points. You would wonder how long it may take in “getting there” should you persevere enough to not quit.

After all mentioned, I will be clear enough to state that that journey is worth embarking on and staying on course; in addition to a “knowing” that you have indeed started.

The Mindset of Adventure

It has been established that one of the best ways to enjoy any journey at all through any means is by being able to describe it as an adventure!

An adventure because whatever negative experiences likely to show up during the journey process can be converted to positive avenues of learning and creativity.

As a Social Entrepreneur who also promotes Enterprise in the Agricultural sector; I facilitated a session on the 11th day of August 2018. This was in a bid to equip participants on the ways in which they could effectively brand their Agribusinesses.

As part of my presentation on a motivational note, I unveiled to them a beautifully designed write-up of how the term “Adventure” could actually lead us to –Discover, Journey, Explore, Voyage, Travel, Roam, Fly and Go.

Yes, this is indeed an empowering mindset to adopt while moving steadily and working at that vision or bigger picture you see way ahead of you.

DESTINY- PATHWAY TO LIFE’S FULFILMENT

Dr. Myles Munroe in his book “The Principles and Power of Vision” asserted that the most powerful force in life is the force of vision; and I am in total agreement with his conviction.

I need not emphasize the obvious fact that the destiny of any individual or nation can only be fulfilled with the existence of a vision, I couldn’t agree more with the Holy Bible that clearly stated this in the book of Habakkuk 2:3

By implication; vision paves the way for the fulfillment of destiny to sustain life’s fulfillment on earth. I look forward to sharing more about some of the ways in which the power of vision has greatly contributed to where I am as regards my current realities. I therefore advise that you remain alert in anticipation of my future publications.

POSITIVE FOCUS- A SOLUTION TO DIVERSE LIFE’S DISTRACTIONS

My personal definition of positive focus involves the direction of our energies with deliberate thoughts to stay strong enough for the purpose of achieving expected positive outcomes.

I must also point out that it truly takes conscious mental acts to deflect negative feelings, other forces of distraction and provide ourselves with positive energy to focus on achieving positive outcomes.

Some of the winning ways that can enable us curb and eventually eliminate distractions in its totality at any point during our journey includes making the right efforts through the;

1. Creative cultivation of enthusiasm

2. Developing and maintaining a positive mental attitude

3. Constant visit to that vision board

4. Developing the skill of Intra-personal relationship

5. Maintaining strong connections with your source

Taking them gradually…

1. Creative cultivation of enthusiasm

I would say apart from novels and few occasional readings, I didn’t start out reading certain books that possessed the potential to overhaul the limiting beliefs I used to hold about life; or maybe I just wasn’t paying attention after all!

My point is that, I adopted one of Keith Harrell’s motivational insights (from his book- Attitude is Everything) as a means of staying motivated and feeling empowered to dare to be and do more with my life after completing my first degree at the University of Jos, Nigeria.

Permit me to quote it here as I always did back then…

· I am self-motivated because

· I am enthusiastic

· I have a positive outlook

· I have a positive psychology

· I have positive memories

· I believe in myself and my God- given potentials!

Moving on…

This positive self-talk above helped me a great deal in creatively cultivating the enthusiasm I needed to go through seemingly unpleasant situations, fail forward, keep trying, accept feedbacks as an avenue to improve, etc. In addition to other activities of self-development I ventured into.

I can clearly make mention of the fact that seeking additional ways to developing yourself and striving constantly to become the best version of yourself are all empowering ways to creatively cultivate the right forms of enthusiasm you need to achieve focus on the journey.

2. Developing and maintaining a positive mental attitude

I once saw a write-up somewhere which read that “a negative thinker sees a difficulty in every opportunity” while “a positive thinker sees an opportunity in every difficulty.”

I will describe the above assertion as a matter of “mindset.”

Mindset because it is very possible to blame your distraction(s) as the excuse for not fulfilling your destiny; of course that would be pointless at the latter end, considering the fact that you are actually the one to be blamed ultimately for consenting to the conspiracy by permitting the distraction to linger.

3. Constant visit to that vision board

Visualization is considered as one of the most powerful tools available in everyone’s arsenal to achieve great success in life if properly utilized with the drive of positive focus.

This point reminds me of the fact that although I had a vision of what my bigger picture was likely to be earlier in life, and aside real people I had knowledge of that I also desired to be like; I was yet to create a vision board for myself using pictorials with the mixture of words to back up the vision.

I learned and got deeper knowledge about this area during the course of participating as a member in a “Female Only” Book club monthly review meeting known as the “Muster seed Book club.” (another avenue for self-development).

Some of the benefits of designing a vision board include;

· Serve as an indicator to measure progress

· Empowers you to push through boundaries

· Imparts in you joy and confidence in advance of the future to come

· Increases your resolve to press on

· Empowers you to “Become” even before the eventual act of “Doing” or “Having.”

· Grows your desire and fuels your passion

4. Developing the skill of Intra-personal relationship

I defined Intra-personal relationship on one of my weekly videos tagged “#LLB Wednesday (Love Life & Business); as the ability to communicate with yourself effectively; follow this link to view and know more https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IV6zk2GGDc

Developing the capacity therefore to communicate objectively with yourself can help you feel comfortable in the “Question and Answer” state of mind;

which has everything to do with having the capacity to objectively raise possible questions that seriously concern your personal affairs, as well as get objective enough to provide possible answers or seek counsel from others you believe may be knowledgeable in the area concerned.

5. Maintaining strong connections with your source

For a dress screaming to get straightened out, a pressing iron yet to be connected to a source of electricity would still be useless to the end goal for that squeezed dress!

However, imagine how hot the same iron is likely to get after its eventual connection to an electric source and the end result of that dress after it must have been ironed out well and sharp!

This also applies to our relationship with God who is the Creator of the Universe. He yearns to have us worship Him in truth and in spirit John 4:23–24

I made mention of a fact much earlier that distractions could come at us either physically or spiritually. This means that striving to be equipped spiritually is key to fighting distractions because of the success you must have achieved in becoming both spiritually alert and aware.

I must clearly state that the above state of mind does not come by mere wishes, it is a process that will come to reality while you work at it through spiritual exercises such as reading of God’s word, meditation, fasting, praying, locating yourself under the tutorship of a genuine spiritual mentor and gathering of other brethren who belong to the brotherhood of blood forged through the covenant of Christ’s redemptive blood.

FINAL WORDS

Just as God instructed Abraham to check out the stars at night as a practical way of visualizing his future Genesis 13:14–15, considering also the manner with which God truly honored His word with Abraham at the latter end; so also would we be able to look back from where we must have come from, sigh deeply and say…… “Nothing Missing.”

However, this can only happen if we choose to get or remain intentional about applying as much wisdom as possible to staying on course via the activation of the positive power of focus as outlined and carefully explained all through this publication.

See you at the top; see you at the other side victory.

Love,

Tracy Yekaghe.