One of the most important keys to success is having the discipline to do what you know you should do, even when you don’t feel like doing it. It’s so easy to become distracted. There is always one more errand to run, one more phone call to answer or a deadline to meet. In reality there is only one thing that keeps us from reaching our goals – lack of focus. How well you master the ability to stay focused is going to determine your level of success. If you are able to stay focused at school, work or home, you will be productive and you will get things done.  Unfortunately, the opposite is also true. If you are distracted all the time, you will accomplish little and become frustrated in the process.

The big question is how do you stay focused in times like these when there are so many constant demands on your attention and everyone is pulling you in different directions? The first step to getting focused is to reduce or eliminate distractions. Imagine that your focus is a bucket full of water and every distraction is a little hole in your bucket. The more distractions you have, the more holes you have. Water is going to leak out and eventually your bucket is going to be empty. Stop being distracted by things that have nothing to do with your goals. Don’t get sidetracked by people who are not on track. Staying focused will mean that you must say no to some opportunities. Ask yourself if what you are doing today is getting you closer to where you want to be tomorrow.

If you are going somewhere, some days are going to be harder than others and that is what keeps your brain alive. You will have peaks and valleys but take one day at a time instead of looking ahead. Tough times are just that – tough. but I promise you, that if you stay focused you will work your way out of them. Successful people never worry about what other people are doing. To survive those days you will need to pick yourself up and stay focused on your life’s purpose. Hold on tight to what you are working for. Let go of the thoughts that do not make you strong. Don’t lose sight of your goal just because your current situation looks like you are headed in the wrong direction.

Don’t be afraid of what could go wrong and start being positive about what could go right. Do what you have to do until you can do what you want to do. Big things have small beginnings. Your start does not determine how you finish. Be more intentional with what you want. Your actions should reflect what you want. Let you faith be bigger than your fear. Things might not go the way you planned but that doesn’t mean that you lose hope. Stay positive and focused. Focus on where you want to be, not where you were or where you are. You get what you focus on so focus on what you want.

One of the greatest distractions you will face when trying to stay focused is knowing who to trust. One question to ask yourself is ‘has this person been with me the last time I needed help?  Will this person keep me focused or be a distraction? Remember, you can’t take everyone with you where you are going. Let go of people who don’t share your dream. If they are not part of your vision, then their season in your life is over. Haters can see you walk on water and yet say it’s only because you can’t swim! So shame them with your success.  Believe in yourself and you will be unstoppable.

Your main focus should be to remain focused. Against all odds and against all obstacles you are going to make it. It’s only when you focus on something larger than yourself that you will know your true potential. If it doesn’t challenge you then it won’t change you. Your life only gets better when you do. Attract what you expect. Reflect what you desire. Become what you respect. Mirror what you admire. Be disciplined about what you respond and react to. Not everyone or everything deserves your time, energy and attention. Courage is being yourself every day in a world that tells you to be like someone else. If you desire to be happy and succeed in life, get focused and remain focused. Your dream will never become reality if you don’t.