TUG OF WAR

Tug of War is a sport between two teams to test strength and strategy. The two teams battle with the instrument of a rope. The winning team pulls their opponents over a designated line, sometimes into water or mud. It is a sport of strength and endurance.

There are multiple tugs of war, which are battled each day. The battle of right and wrong; to stay or to leave; to run or rest; to fight or flight; or accept or decline. For this post, the tug of war addressed, one of the main causes of many dilemmas and the reason why things go unfilled, are distractions.

One definition of distractions are things that make it difficult to think or pay attention.  Distractions can be good. These could be items that amuses or entertains, to prevent you from thinking about problems or worries. The distractions that I am referring, are the components that prevent you from fulfilling dreams; elements that prevent you from your destiny; substances that avert you from becoming what you know you should be.

Distractions can start off to be minor. You vowed to clean your house. You have the mindset to do this chore. You need to check your email, and, of course, you need to answer some of them. Then, there is notification alert on Facebook. Now, you must scroll through to like or comment on some articles, sayings or pictures. You must befriend new people. Now, the task of housecleaning comes back. But, you are hungry. A meal is prepared. Dishes are washed. After that you do a few errands. While out you are out you run into a friend. You all have coffee. On the way home, you pass by a store with a 60% discount on all items. Stopping is a must. Finally, you made it back home. Just about the time you start the housecleaning expedition. You remember you must set your DVR to record a program. A certain movie is on that you have not seen in years. You promise yourself just as soon as the program goes off, you will get started. The movie is over. You are tired. You decide to do the house cleaning another day.

Distraction may hinder major events.

• Relocating to a new area
• Starting a new relationships
• Going back to school
• Starting a business,
• Getting a better job

We are all plagued with the distraction fever.  The world has made that concept very easy. With cell phones, cameras; texting, social media, emails, and all other online communications, these are only a few detours. The sense of self-importance that you need to be contacted, immediately, on all matters. You must respond to all texts and emails, expeditiously. Every avenue of your life, pictures must be taken. And, you must stay connected to all of your 900 friends on FB.  Do the test, if someone gives you 5 tasks to perform, how many can be completed before you get distracted.

Opposite of distractions is focus. To focus mean to direct your attention to a specific event, item or situation. Ways to focus:

• Get God.
• Admit you are easily distracted.
• Allow a certain amount of time for distractions.
• Things that need to be accomplished, write them down. Focus on following the list.
• Give yourself a time table to complete tasks.
• Reward yourself when you have been focused for a period of time.
• Process of elimination. Eliminate people or anything that may be a source of distractions.
• Turn off notifications, alerts and any other bells and whistles until your tasks are completed.

Tug of War is a battle of strength and endurance. Distraction are a signs of weakness and the inability to focus. If you want to advance in life, you must have the capability to pay attention to detail without diversion.

Stop the tug. Win the war. Focus on the events that count and will make you a better you.

Let thine eyes look right on, and let thine eyelids look straight before thee. Proverbs 4:25 (KJV)