Stay on the Path

Stay on the Path

A previous lesson titled “Stay Focused” was a lesson about not letting your guard down when you believe that you have finished. This lesson deals more with staying focused on your goals and objectives as you work towards completion and work day in and day out in pursuit of your objectives.

On the Incline, there are many spots where you can wander a few feet off the steps to take a rest and enjoy a beautiful vista. Then there are trails that take you totally off of the Incline to another trail and to a completely different destination. Finally, there are locations on the trail where if you go off of the steps on either side, you are likely to tumble down a steep, rocky and dangerous precipice—resulting in severe bodily harm.

It’s for this reason, that once you have established your goals and objectives, once you have analyzed the situation and developed a strategy and plan, once you have mapped out the route that you will take to arrive at your desired destination, you should STAY ON THE PATH.

I’m not saying not to be spontaneous or interruptible. I’m not suggesting that you shouldn’t rest and enjoy the views along the way. I’m not saying that you shouldn’t be adaptable to changing circumstances. But, I am saying that you need to stay focused on what you are there to do. Don’t get distracted. Don’t look for shortcuts. Don’t chase the shiny objects that take you away from what you are pursuing.

In other aspects of life, just like on the Incline, there is plenty of room within the path to be spontaneous, to take rests, to meet with and engage other people. The danger occurs when you encounter and follow a distraction. Avoid getting sidetracked by new and exciting opportunities that may arise along the way. For instance, if the objective is to start a business and build it from scratch, chasing every new business idea or trend that comes along could lead to a lack of direction and focus.

If you are not crystal clear about what you are pursuing, then why you are pursuing it or any of your priorities? You will be easily distracted and derailed by every seemingly promising opportunity or exciting new thing that comes your way. Or worse, you will actively seek out distractions that take you away from your objective.

Focus. Don’t pay attention to distractions. Don’t chase the shiny objects. Say “No”. Stay on the path.

By saying no to distractions, you are saying yes to your priorities, yes to your goals, yes to your accomplishments, yes to your success. Staying on the right path requires evaluating every new opportunity and ensuring that it aligns with the established plan before pursuing it.

People may see the boundaries that you have set for yourself along the path you have chosen and criticize you for limiting yourself. Those boundaries aren’t limiting, they are freeing—freeing you to accomplish what you want to accomplish and to live your life like you know it should be lived.

Proverbs 4:25-27 Keep your eyes on the path, and look straight ahead. Make sure you are going the right way, and nothing will make you fall. Don't go to the right or to the left, and you will stay away from evil.

Psalm 16:11 You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Proverbs 14:12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.

Personal Reflections:

1. What are your distractions/weaknesses that you need to be aware of or eliminate?

2. Are you in the habit of saying “no” to requests, invitations, or distractions that are not aligned with your priorities and purpose?

For more Life Lessons like this, check out my book, “Lessons from the Incline” available here:?https://lnkd.in/gwma-ptF