We all face distractions whether we realize it or not. I’ve been distracted by relationships, social media, my own fears etc. Distractions are one of the number one ways we are kept from our dreams, goals, visions and divine purpose. We are each created to do some extraordinary things as long as we are here. We are not on earth to just take up space and die. We must find out our purpose and live to reach it each day. Often times however when we are on the right path, there are forces that will attempt to distract us from personal goals and the divine plan for our lives. Distractions can come in the form of relationships, jobs, media, our own struggles and unhealed wounds etc. Allowing distractions to hinder us ultimately wastes time and keeps us from living the life we desire to live. Speak to any elder or wise man or woman and they’ll tell you some of the talents and goals they never followed through with because they got distracted by a job they weren’t suppose to take or a relationship they weren’t suppose to be in etc. As I’ve grown to understand my personal distractions, I’ve learned ways to overcome them when they show-up, so I’m going to share:
1.Get to Know Yourself
When I say get to know yourself I mean learn to spend time alone and get to know who you are, what you want and what your purpose is. I personally love to read, write, run and pray. It is in these states I find the most peace and learn the most about who I am. Getting to know yourself and why you are here produces a mind of focus and zeal. That determination will manifest in the work that you are called to do. It will then become clear as to what your personal distractions are (we can be distracted in different ways). Identifying those distractions is key to eliminating them once they come.
2. Surround Yourself with People Who Will Keep You Accountable
We can do everything in our power to change our mindsets, behaviors and work to defeat distractions, but if the people we are most connected to are negative, and are distracted by similar circumstances, we can easily fall into our old mindsets and become distracted again. The company we keep is so important because these are the people that will influence you the most. Our friends can challenge us and encourage us to be better or they can lead us into a path that is not ours. We should choose to build and keep relationships with positive people who know our personal goals and hold us accountable when we are losing focus.
3. Set Boundaries & Stick to Them
To do anything significant we must be disciplined. If I know that I have a goal to stop smoking weed because it makes me lazy, I may set a boundary to not go places where I’ll be tempted to smoke. Or lets say I wanted to lose 10 pounds, I would restrain from eating at fast food restaurants or maybe even create a cut off time for how late I can eat. Maybe it’s dealing with an unhealthy relationship or friendship, I may set the boundary to not hangout or text/call that person. Setting boundaries for yourself, keep you in check. The boundaries create good habits and make it easier for us to stay focused.
4. Change Your Thinking
We’ve all heard that saying, your thoughts become your actions, your actions become your habits, your habits become your destiny. Although it is a cliché, it is true. When we fill our minds with thoughts like I can’t do it or I don’t have time, I won’t be as great as such and such, I don’t have the money etc.,we are setting ourselves up to fail before we even start. When we set this sort of tone for our lives, we are allowing ourselves to become distracted by our own thoughts and fears. We must think and speak only positivity, so we can live more disciplined, peaceful and joyful lives. Keep your thoughts clear of negativity, and you can conquer anything.
