Much of our productivity and purpose is lost when we get
sidetracked by the small things that don’t produce big results. When we learn
to stay focused on the task in front of us, then we’ll finish our job early,
listen better, and solve problems faster.
Many believe that by multi-tasking they can get more done
in less time. However, just the opposite is true. When we try to do too many
things at once, it usually takes longer and there’s
often a higher chance of error in what we try to accomplish.
Generally speaking, women tend to be better at
multi-tasking then men. God wired our brains differently. I’m not trying to
stereotype but women tend to handle more details at once better than men. Of
course, if we can do more without sacrificing quality then it is commendable.
However in most cases, it is better to stay focused on one job at a time. When
we engage in multiple functions at once such as texting and driving, we may
even risk our lives!
One of the best ways to stay focused is to make daily,
weekly, monthly, even yearly goals. When we create a schedule, we’re
essentially telling our time where to go. When we have a clear roadmap of what
we need to do, and stay focused on chipping away at it throughout the day,
we’ll see better results in accomplishing our goals. In today’s society, we’re
busier than ever but not necessarily producing more. If we don’t have a “to do list” we can easily be carried
away by checking our Facebook status, posting Instagram pictures, and phone
calls from time-wasters.
Taking on one task at a time is effective. For example,
if you have a pile of dishes, laundry, and carpet to vacuum, it is better to
first tackle the job you like the least. When we start a project, we have the
maximum energy and our body, and mind, is not as tired as it would be later in
the day. Finishing a task gives you a sense of accomplishment and that
motivates you to take on the next task with a better attitude. At work, we should
try to attack the job that brings the most reward. If you’re in sales, you
should be most focused on making new sales instead of getting bogged down in
policies, procedures, and keeping your desk organized. If we’re in
administration, we should be focused on managing our top producers, accounts,
legalities, production, and customer relationships. Staying focused on most
rewarding task will pay off in the long run.
In the Scriptures, even Jesus stayed focused on the task
at hand. He didn’t panic at the urgent. He stayed faithful in doing one thing
at a time. This is exemplified John 11:5-6. Jesus “delayed” two days longer in the village where He was when He got
news that Lazarus was sick unto death.
However, He understood the principle of staying focused. When Jesus got done in
the village and arrived at Lazarus’ house, his sister Martha lamented, “Lord, if you had been here, my brother
would not have died.” Lazarus had been in the tomb for four days! Jesus didn’t
panic. He called Lazarus out of the grave! In the case of Jesus, staying
focused brought greater glory to God by raising the dead.
Could it be we’re wasting valuable time, effort, and
energy by trying to do too many things at once? I know people whose schedules
are so packed that they don’t even have time for their families or time to
relax and rejuvenate. They are busy like a bee and one day they wake up to find
out that their honey is gone. May I recommend that a
better way is to stay focused on your work but also stay focused guarding your time
with God and your family and friends? When we guard our time with God, we’re
infusing power, innovation, and efficiency in our day. Friend, let us not shoot
in the dark and do whatever
comes on our way. If we’re to be excellent and efficient in what we do, then we
have to be intentional about staying focused. You can’t do everything at once.
Staying focused and doing one thing at a time will make us more productive,
satisfied, and deliver greater rewards. I pray and declare that you’ll be more
focused on God, family, relationships, and your health. Let’s stay focused and
achieve more.
“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your
might” (Ecclesiastes 9:10 NIV).
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