Pursuing Purpose

My entrepreneur, pastor, mother, activist and author friend warned me she was about to have less time, be less responsive and more focused because she had a lot going on (see the list!).

So I tried to be the kind of friend that made the most of the time she had without berating her for not having more. ‘Cause we all have stuff to do…like a purpose to pursue!

Inhale On Purpose, Exhale Guilt…
Inhale Laser Focus, Exhale Distractions…
Inhale Hot Pursuit, Exhale Meandering…
Just Breathe

#JustBreathe
#Focus

One of the exercises I do during a leadership workshop is to have participants identify their Top 20-25 dreams, then prioritize the Top Five. THEN we talk about why they should stop any activities NOT in support of their Top Five. It’s an idea and exercise I got from business magnate, investor, and philanthropist Warren Buffet.

I remember one participant immediately cancelled her plans for the weekend. But most of us struggle to separate the “should” obligations from the “I must do this or die” passions that point to our purpose.

So what we have to remember is that plans and people are either propelling us toward or preventing us from achieving our envisioned future. And prioritize accordingly…

Inhale Priorities, Exhale Shoulds…
Inhale Pertinence, Exhale Irrelevance…
Inhale Precedence, Exhale Unfocused…
Just Breathe

#JustBreathe
#Focus

Refocus

We understand the concept of focus yet we don’t always apply it to our everyday lives. We give what is wrong, what is warped, and what is downright wicked WAAAY too much attention. In fact, we frequently act on what we don’t want which only gets us more negativity.

What if instead, we poured our energy into what we DO want, what energizes us, and/or brings us joy? What would that look like? How could that change things?

“Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable – if anything is excellent or praiseworthy – think about such things.” Philippians 4:8

Inhale What is Right, Exhale What is Wrong…
Inhale What is Pure, Exhale What is Warped…
Inhale What is Noble, Exhale What is Wicked…
Just Breathe

#JustBreathe
#Focus

Rededicated

It took me weeks after my last move to get sufficiently settled so I could sleep in my own bed. I remember crawling into bed for that first time, exhausted and grateful. I slept soundly and woke up feeling determined to get back on His purpose for my life.

“I’m doing a great work; I can’t come down. Why should the work come to a standstill just so I can come down to see you?” Nehemiah 6:3, MSG

Inhale Focus, Exhale Distraction…
Inhale Work, Exhale Delay…
Inhale Purpose, Exhale Diversion…
Just Breathe

#JustBreathe
#Focus

Internal Compass

Everyday we receive guidance about what we’re supposed to be doing.
If we’re still enough to pay attention, we can hear it.
If we’re paying attention, we can recognize what it is.
If we recognize it, we can choose to be obedient.
If we’re obedient, we will act on the guidance we’re given.
And our actions can impact the world…or at least OUR world.

“Trust God from the bottom of your heart; don’t try to figure out everything on your own. Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go; He’s the one who will keep you on track.” Proverbs 3: 5-6 MSG

Inhale Stillness, Exhale Distraction…
Inhale Recognition, Exhale Rejection…
Inhale Action, Exhale Ignoring…
Just Breathe

#JustBreathe
#Focus

Category: Focus