Focus is a scarce resource now days. In a culture where our attention is constantly bombarded with technology and loud media, it can be difficult to direct our focus toward a task that matters.
Yet what I’ve found in my own personal investigation of focus is that it’s not purely technology and media’s fault that we can’t pay attention.
In fact, when it came to my lack of focus, it was mainly internal factors—not external factors—that contributed to the problem.
I see this at work with the disciples too. When they were travelling with Jesus, they didn’t have as many external elements attacking their attention (at least, not as much as we do today), and yet, they couldn’t keep their eyes on the prize. They couldn’t focus on the mission during their time with Jesus.
When it comes to accomplishing our goals and tasks, we can be distracted in the same way. To work better and keep productive, we need to snuff out the following internal reasons why we can’t stay focused:
1. You hate what you’re doing
Ever work a job that was absolutely miserable? These jobs often tear away at our soul because they’re not what we’re suppose to be doing. Yet, while they’re not what we’re suppose to be doing, that doesn’t mean we can’t do our best with it. Truly, to rise above the circumstances that you hate, you must be willing to work it with all you have.
When you hate what you’re doing, you’re distracted by what you wish you were doing instead. To focus, immerse yourself in the present moment. Realize that your wishing will not help you reach your goal any faster than doing the work will.
2. You don’t understand what you’re doing
When Jesus asks the disciples to pray with Him in Gethsemane, they instead fall asleep. This is because they didn’t understand the urgency of the moment. If they had only known what was about to happen, they would’ve been fully present and alert. Their inability to comprehend what was going on ended up distracting them.
It happens in the same way for us. When we typically don’t understand what’s going on, we check out. This happens in class, at work, and in our families. If we don’t know, we sometimes don’t care.
The best way to reclaim your focus from this is to try your best to understand what’s going on. If it’s a matter that requires your attention, but you don’t understand it, refer to other sources and try to at least get the big picture of what’s going on. As long as you have the big picture, you’ll be able to fill in the details at a later point.
3. You’re angry about where you are
The disciples often debated with one another about who was the greatest. We see it as a petty argument because we know the full depth of who they were with and why their status doesn’t matter. The problem was, they didn’t realize their argument was unnecessary during the time. Their anger kept them blind to the mission of Jesus.
Sometimes, we can be angry about where we are also. If we’re stuck in a low position or if we wish we were somewhere else, that anger can blind us. It can keep us doing poor work.
The solution isn’t easy. Once again, it involves stepping into the hurt of the present moment, and wrestling with it. Why are you angry? Do you believe staying angry will help at all?
Once you deal with that anger, you’ll see that what matters most is not wishing you were somewhere better, but doing what’s right in front of you.
4. You’re afraid
Peter denied Jesus three times, just like Jesus said he would. It wasn’t because Peter hated Jesus. Rather, he was afraid. His fear took precedence over his love and loyalty. As a result, he lost hold of the mission.
Our fear can be overwhelming to this degree as well. We can fear that by not answering our phone or checking our email, we can be missing out. We can fear that something will happen without us while we’re stuck doing our work. We can fear what others might be thinking or doing. All the while, we distract ourselves with possibilities, rather than what’s true.
Fear is a persuasive power. It attempts to pull us away. Yet, the best way to focus is to be brave about our current situation. If you’re working, muster up the courage to know that the world will be fine while you’re doing your work. Have the courage to immerse yourself fully in your task.
When it comes to doing work, internal factors pulling at our attention can be just as powerful as external ones. Oftentimes, we like to blame external factors more than internal ones. But before you get into the habit of pointing out what’s wrong on the outside, first learn to confront what’s on the inside. Next time you lose focus, take a deep look at what’s going on underneath the hood. You might be surprised by what you find.
Photography by Mikaela Hamilton
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