Elephants are immense; impossible to eat in a single bite. So how do you do it? How do you eat an elephant? You have to start off by being focused on the task at hand. In an incredibly busy world, distractions have become commonplace. Whether it is the beep of your phone, the blip of an email, or the calling of a young child, it is almost impossible to stay focused in today’s noise.
For many years, it has been a badge of honor to be known as a multitasker; one who could do multiple tasks at the same time in a noisy and busy environment. However, subsequent studies have shown that multitasking decreases your level of effectiveness and productivity.
Moreover, you can imagine that this distracted lifestyle is wreaking havoc on our relationship with our Creator. Thirty-second-prayers and one hour Sunday services have taken the place of committed, focused, one on one time with the Lord. (The intent of this directive is not to become religious about this, but rather, to become focused.) However, there is hope. A new trend called monotasking is taking hold: the ability to focus on a single task until finished. New studies are proving that monotasking increases the level of creative ability and allows for more tasks to be completed in a shorter period. So how do we begin to make this shift? Here are three quick tips that will set you on the path so you can stay focused in your life, and more importantly, in your walk with Jesus.
Number one:
Make time.
You must make the time to focus on what's important to you. If you do not take the time to spend with God, one on one, either in worship or meditation, you will not be able to move forward in your walk with Christ.
Number two:
Begin a stop doing list.
A stop doing list is a list of things in your life that are unproductive or impeding your relationship with Christ. Ask for the power of the Holy Spirit to help you stop doing them! Doing so will enable you, and your time, to be focused on what is truly important to Kingdom purposes.
Number three:
Be consistent.
Consistency has been one of my biggest struggles in the business of life. Many people, including myself at times, wait for the big “Ah ha” moment, or for when the Holy Spirit will knock them over, and everything will change. But it is the continual, incremental steps forward that will give us the progression we need to achieve the goals and the calling God has on our lives.
The secret to being able to eat an entire elephant is that you do it one bite at a time. Start with the small things you can do, and increase to bigger ones over time. Without a doubt, there is much more to be said about this concept and its practice, but these three quick steps will help you stay focused and move forward in your relationship with Jesus. Thank you for reading, and God bless.