How to Focus in a Distracting World

By Dr John Nyamunda – The Big Picture: Are You Losing Days? –

Do you often find yourself wondering where the day went, as you postpone again your most important tasks? You’re not alone. We’re all loaded with more tasks than we can handle. Our time is limited, like the Psalmist says, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). Like the little bit of wisdom I gained in April.

Why Focus Matters: The Cost of Distraction

But what’s the real cost of constantly postponing our important tasks? It’s not lost productivity; it’s your failure to pursue your true purpose and use your talents. As Dr Stephen Covey said, “The key is not to prioritise what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” By not prioritising, you waste the brief time you have on this earth. Remember “you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” (James 4:14b). But how can you make this brief sojourn count, and become a “good faithful servant”, to be entrusted with more?

A Personal Epiphany: The Power of Setting Priorities

During a hectic week in April, I had an epiphany about the power of focused effort. I had back-to-back meetings out of town. Despite this, I always caught up on all my tasks by 5:30 pm end of each day. This meant 2-3 hours of solid focused work gave me back my 8-hour day. This sparked the question, so what was I doing the rest of the time when at the office?

Set Yourself Up for Success

The world won’t make it easy for you to succeed, but you can increase your chances. Close that office door, log out of social media, and do the work that truly matters. If you had a deadline to submit a report to the boss – wouldn’t you eliminate all distractions till it’s done? Remember St. Paul in Colossians 3:23 says: “Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters.”

The Bottom Line: Take Control of Your Purpose

By not prioritising, you are unintentionally diverting yourself from your true purpose, and that’s a tragedy. St. Thomas Aquinas said that true happiness is found in fulfilling our purpose and focusing on what truly matters. So, what’s the one thing that truly matters on your schedule today? That one thing you want to work on like you are “working for the Lord”? If you know it, did you block out two hours in your calendar today to focus on it?