FOCUS 2020

FOCUS is a word l have been giving much attention to lately. It started in April of 2019. I would periodically go to bed thinking about it and wake to its glare from the primary visual cortex of my brain. It reminded me of a need to hone in on an unfinished project of sorts. It told me not to put aside things due to frivolous excuses. It reminded me that there would never be perfect timing to go ahead with decisions I had to make at pivotal moments. It was calling my attention!

The rest of the year,  I regained a personal sense of direction. I made some significant strides in submitting my book for publication, transitioned in ministry work to another church that I am currently at, and continued illustrations for a second book. Towards the end of the year, I was feeling pretty optimistic about facing the future of 2020! It was thirty-six days to the end of the year in 2019; when I wrote on my Facebook page, May you go into 2020 with a strong FOCUS to tap your full potential. Like all unpredictable futures, 2020 came with its wave of changes.

We are in the 8th month of 2020. We have been globally affected by the pandemic, which perhaps caused a loss in FOCUS for several people. Now in the heart of it all, How can we, as individuals, organizations, and a nation, regain a seemingly lost FOCUS. Pause for a reflection:

1- Where were you as an individual or an organization before the pandemic?

2- What are some of the things that you or your organization did to ensure that you put measures in place right away for safety.

3- How did COVID-19 affect you as an organization or an individual?

4- How has your faith been tested? 

5- How has reintegration back to your places of work, communities, and house of worship been for you?

6- Who are the “people encouraging” you to stay on task with your FOCUS and goals?

7-What are you doing to rebuild your FOCUS on that task or project you need to complete?

8- Are you letting everything and everyone’s actions get in the way of your attention?

These questions support you in your process to regain a renewed FOCUS. God intended us to have our “eyes look directly forward, and our gaze straight before us.” Proverbs 4:25. One of my favorites, also from Proverb, is committing our works to the Lord so that He can establish us Proverb 16:3. While it may be easier said than done, it is right for those who trust God to take control of their circumstances.

What is FOCUS?  FOCUS is the ability to direct, redirect, gain control of your inner strengths to stay on task about your personal,  professional, and organizational goals. FOCUS is the ability to have a tunnel-like vision, one in which you only see the light at the end. FOCUS pushes you to wash out the external and internal noises of the syndrome of the l can’t/ you can’t make it and replaces it to “l can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” FOCUS tells us where to place our energies in alignment with the direction we need to veer. 

Yes, it can be hard to FOCUS sometimes when faced with external pressures of the uncertainties of the economy, health, and job stability for most, emotional security, health issues, and more. It is even harder to FOCUS when you are undecided about the future outcomes of stepping up, most notably in these times of uncertainties. 

Today if you’re the person struggling to find or regain FOCUS l encourage you to use every ounce of faith that you have to change anything that is allowing you to steer away from that FOCUS on your situation, pray your way through the distraction! I believe that the power of the Holy Spirit is sending me these reminders to share with you. 

We ought to be about where God wants us to place our attention.  As l think thoroughly about the word FOCUS, the teaching that is coming through for me is we have to have an eagle’s eye to go after our target. It is a constant redirection of our minds to understand who we are and where we want to be as we set ourselves goals that put God at the center of them all. While there are several thoughts in our head, we should understand the importance of learning to filter out the ones that impede our FOCUS. Make it a goal to get back on track with whatever you want to do.

The pausing of our daily routines with the interruptions of the pandemic created a newfound series of FOCUSED ways to redirect my energies. I am sure this has been the same for most of you. However, if you are feeling lost or overwhelmed still about the uncertainties of the next steps, take a moment to write answers to the questions above. 

As believers, we have a plus because we have faith that God can realign our FOCUS if we recommit our plans to Him. However, what about our brethren whose faith is not as strong. As you regain your FOCUS, remember to share your strategies with your peers. 

Our existence depends on how we can direct our energies to the places we want them. FOCUS is the key to how best those directed areas push us closer to achieving our goals in this phase of our lives.