We are so busy in this modern world. We are so glued to our phones. We are constantly watching other people’s lives on social media. People like to show the best of their lives. Many of us don’t like to share the struggles and difficulties that we experience in our lives. However, we shouldn’t be so focused on what other people are doing.
If we are spending so much of our time looking at the external things around us; this does not allow us to have time to look within ourselves. How do you know what you like if you don’t spend any time thinking about it? The Bible says that as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he. (Proverbs 23:7, King James Version).
Consider taking a digital detox, just move away from social media altogether. The way we are going to get clarity is to tune everything else out. We need to be able to come back within ourselves. We need to focus on who we are.
There may have been a point in life where you were driven, motivated, surging ahead, moving forward. However, when there is a new season, or a change comes; You can end up losing the clarity that you once had in your life.
There was a point in my life when I wrote down goals and visions. I knew where I wanted to be and do in life. I realised that I had more vision and direction for my life when I reflected more.
Do you feel uncertain about the direction your life is going in?
Do you lack vision and purpose for your life?
Are you unsure about what the next step is?
Do you know what you want to do to progress in your life?
Here are some tips to help you on your journey of gaining clarity and focus in your life.
1. Sit down and think in a quiet space.
You could consider going on a personal retreat in a new environment. Many of us don’t take the time to be still.
The Bible says in 1 Thessalonians 4:11 “Aspire to live quietly ” (English Standard Version). Another popular bible verse on being still is in Psalm 46:10. There tends to be so much noise around us, that it's time to be still.
2. Make time to reflect on your life.
Think about what you have achieved in life.
What motivated you to get to this point in your life?
What would you develop or grow further?
“Each of you should examine your actions. Then you can be proud of your own accomplishments without comparing yourselves to others”. Galatians 6:4 (God’s Word Translation).
3. Write down your vision/goals for your life.
Write down any ideas that come into your mind. It could be related to business, personal life or work. You don’t know when you might need it.
I have only started implementing some of my ideas/goals months/years after I wrote them down. Writing it down helps to keep you accountable and helps you know you want to achieve in your life.
Habbakuk 2:2 says” Write the vision and make it plain” (King James Version).
4. Invest in yourself.
You could consider making an investment to enable your personal development. Investments could be money or time. Alternatively, you could choose a life coach to help you on this journey or possibly a mentor.
There are several examples of Mentor/Mentee relationships in the Bible; the first is the relationship of Jesus and his disciples in the Gospels.
Another Mentor/Mentee relationship is the story of Elijah and Elisha. Elisha learnt all he could from Elijah and ended up with double portion of his anointing. Who you follow will have a great impact on your life. Read more of this story in 2 Kings 2.
Both relationships show the importance of learning all that you can from your mentor to grow and develop.
5. Increase learning.
“Let the wise hear and increase in learning.” Proverbs 1:5 (English Standard Version).
Even the Bible encourages us to add to your faith, virtue (2 Peter 1:5); emphasis on adding more to what you already know or have .
You could complete an online course or read books to increase your knowledge on a specific topic of interest. You could spend time on learning a new skill.
There are many websites to complete free online courses. I have personally tried each of the websites below. However, I cannot advise on whether courses are accredited, please use your own due diligence.
6. Have accountability partners/supportive community around you.
Don’t tell everyone your dreams or ideas. Let a few key people in your life about what you are doing so that they can keep accountable.
Proverbs 27:17 says that “Iron sharpens iron, one man sharpens another”.
People don’t have the vision you have; they don’t know the process you are going through. You should have people around you who encourage you.
However, don’t rely on this alone. Give your plans over to the Lord and let Him guide you.
I hope that these tips have been an encouragement to you. I believe that implementing even a few of these tips will benefit you in a positive way.
Let’s focus and live our best lives.