Stay Focused (4)


Water Under The Bridge
Originally uploaded by moriza
Forgetting the past
Philippians 3:13

Notice: 1) Focused people don't live in the past. Too many of us yearn for the past and get stuck in it. Instead we should learn from the past and let go of it. Elbert Hubbard wrote, 'A retentive memory may be a good thing, but the ability to forget is a token of greatness. Successful people forget. They're running a race. They can't afford to look behind. Their eye is on the finish line. They're too big to let little things disturb them. If anyone does them wrong, they consider the source and keep cool. It's only the small people who cherish revenge. Be a good forgetter... success demands it.'

2) Focused people don't think about the difficulties, but the rewards. If you dwell on the difficulties too long you'll start to develop self-pity instead of self-discipline. As a result you'll accomplish less and less. By focusing on results you'll stay encouraged. Make Christ your example. 'He was willing to die a shameful death on the cross because of the joy he knew would be his afterwards' (Hebrews 12:2 TLB).

3) Focused people choose their friends carefully. Here are five types of people you'll encounter: a) refreshers; who strengthen your faith and energise you b) refiners; who sharpen you and clarify your vision c) reflectors; who mirror your energy, neither adding to nor subtracting from it d) reducers; who try to diminish your goals and efforts to their comfort level e) rejecters; who don't understand you or what God's called you to do. So, remain focused and you'll stay grounded; the praise of others is less likely to go to your head, and the negative impact of your critics will be minimised.

Copied from UCB Word for Today. Free issues are available here for the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Comments

Wanda said…
What good advice on staying focused in all those 3 areas.

My friend wrote a song, and in the chorus this was a phrase I loved...

Yesterday is history, tomorrow's still a mystery, Today is the "present" the gift God gave to you.

I try to live in the "present".

Good words Mike.
zakscloset said…
what a fantastic message!!!! i love it! i will read it over and over when i feel unfocused! thanks!
Robyn said…
Wonderful post! Thank you.
I need to be more focused!!
Paulie said…
Yes, great message! Good reminder for all of us.
"Focused people don't think about the difficulties, but the rewards." This is a difficult task!!! One seldom finds reward in pain and difficulties. This is a great reminder for me! I need constant reminders in soooo many areas!!! Thank you!! Cathy
Stanley said…
Hei, I found you on Qinttarantino. Just wanted to drop by and say hi =)

Btw, really good advice. Hahahah...I do have to say that I do have problems keeping focused...
Steve said…
Excellent thoughts well epressed.
Anonymous said…
Thank you, Mike. =)
Andrea said…
Wonderful post. Isn't it sad how some people will throw your past in your face? God forgives and never brings up your past but the human will. Shows they cannot forgive and forget.

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