I recently attended a business conference by a well known American Christian business man. It was very interesting, and a first such conference of its kind for me. One of the principles that he spoke about was ‘Focus’. It’s a simple principle but one that few master. He was explaining about our productivity rate. Most people operate at a 20-30% rate of productivity when carrying out a particular task.
The reason: We are often distracted by our surroundings.
Our mobile phones are usually the biggest distractions. An incredible piece of technology that has revolutionised our lives has become more of a nuisance than an asset of convenience. A loud beep like thunder announces the arrival of a text message into the inbox. Fancy music rings into the air of an already sound polluted environment. It has become a habit for most that we must attend to the beeping of a text message or a ringing of a call, immediately. Our minds cannot refocus until we reply that message or see whose call we actually missed. Sound familiar? An average manager is being interfered by their mobile phone every 7 minutes.
There was a study that was done by the University of Michigan. A particular guy was able to operate at an 80% level of productivity when on a particular task. What they did was to place another project file on his desk for his next task even before he had completed the first task. At that point of time, his productivity immediately dropped from 80% to 50%. When yet another file was place on his desk his productivity dropped yet again to about 20%. Therefore, a crowded or in most cases a messy work table, results in a low productivity rate. Some people might beg to differ.
I have actually personally experimented this and I found it to be true. I’m naturally quite tidy and can’t work with a messy table. But I will usually place my assignments or tasks that are to be done stacked orderly on the side. But when my eyes appear to catch that piece of work on the table, my mind immediately wanders about those projects. So now, I put them away under the table or in a drawer. And I realise that I get the job done quicker. Not only quicker but at a standard of higher quality. I never thought about it before, but it trains my mind to be focus.
According to research, it is said that students usually only have an attention span of 20 minutes. Sermons have to be cut short because the congregation has a short attention span. Conferences now have multiple tea breaks for just a morning session. These are all just excuses of indiscipline. What has happened? Man has allowed too many distractions into our lives that we have lost the ability to be focussed.
In the same way, it is similar to hearing the voice of God. The famous quote from the Bible, ‘Be still and know, that I am God’. How often are we still before God? Can we focus on God? When we are in church listening to the sermon, are we actually hearing from God or thinking about what we will be having for lunch later. When we are doing our quiet time, are we actually focussed on God or thinking about which route will allow us to avoid the jam to school. When we are worshiping, are we actually worshipping or thinking about making new friends with that new girl.
Have you ever thought why we close our eyes to pray? Who came out with this bright idea? Did Jesus pray with his eyes closed? I don’t think so. The Jews pray with their eyes open. They still do. Somewhere along in history, someone started to pray with their eyes closed to help focus on God better. That is usually the explanation given. Why? It was because the surrounding was a distraction. I am not trying to open a debate about open and closing of eyes, but merely pointing it out as a thought to think about.
I realise that as we practice concentrating our focus on the Lord. Focus on tuning our frequency to the Lord’s. Shutting off all possible distractions when we come before Him. And just being STILL before the KING. It is a special moment of reverence before our creator. When all things around us do not matter. The storm, the wind and the snow fade in the background. Our eyes are fixed with total FOCUS on Jesus! It is then that we truly experience the awesomeness of God!
Do not ask God to still the storm, instead that we may be still in the midst of the storm!
7 comments:
Well said!!!
Often we don't focus enough is because that is not what we 100% want.
If we really really truly want to get that something done, we'll do it wholeheartedly and nothing can be much of a distraction then.
Very very relevant post..I am one of those ppl who gets distracted very easily..not good, I know. But yeah, God told me that He'll be dealing with me on the issue of "Focus" for these 7 months so ur post has been really helpful and encouraging. Thanks alot!=)
Serena: There are some things that are a necessary but we might not want it 100%, thats where the test of focus discipline comes.
Liz: Glad that it has helped and encouraged you. God has been dealing with me in the area of 'Focus' as well. To be a master of few, not simnply a jack of all trades.
Very good post Isaac, and a good reminder too.
Hope you're keeping well there, sir
Very good post Isaac, and a good reminder too.
Hope you're keeping well there, sir
Great Post bro ! Yeah , I struggle with focusing as well. In this modern world, truly focusing is becoming harder and harder.Reminds me of Peter who began to sank when he took his eyes off Jesus and lose focus. Let us be focused !!
Eunice: Hey Taikache! Wah, long time no hear from you liao. hehe.. Yep i have been trying to keep well. haha..
Daniel: Spot on Dan! I had actually wanted to base my 'Focus' post on the Peter waling on water story. But decided that maybe a more practical post was needed. But, hey at least the title is related. haha..
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