How Do You Stay FOCUSED?

  Recently I read a blog post from a dear friend and personal coach of mine who talked about three number that make a huge difference in our lives.  Here is my own personal summary and thoughts on what I am learning from him:


  1.  The Number 10,000


  In his book "Outliers," Malcolm Gladwell argues that it takes approximately 10,000 hours of "deliberate focus" to become world-class in any field.  Those who have changed the world didn't do it on talent alone - they knew the value of hard work. 


  Back in 2006 Allen Iverson of the Philadelphia 76ers faced criticism for missing a practice session with the team.  His media interview a couple of days later became famous!  In a little more than 2 minutes, Iverson used the word "practice" more than twenty times.  It was, on the surface, somewhat entertaining.  But beyond the laughter of Mr. Iverson's frustration he demonstrated the difference between a person who depends solely on their talent and fails to grasp the bigger picture.  You can watch the clip here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGDBR2L5kzI


  Practice may or may not make perfect - but there is a direct correlation between the amount of work you put into a discipline and your true commitment to it.  Lots of athletes are born with tremendous talent, but you will never see an elite Olympic athlete compete on behalf of his / her country that has not put in thousands and thousands of hours of work.  The same principle is true of musicians and singers, business men and women, public speakers, and the list could go on and on.


  It is also true about our marriages and relationships.  Those who are intentional in investing time and work are destined to build healthier and stronger relationships, and strong relationships have less drama!  Hard work and intentional effort do not guarantee that you will never face a crisis or walk through times of difficulty, but it will establish the disciplines of love and respect that will sustain you during those trials of life.


  Yes, Mr. Iverson . . . I'm talking about "PRACTICE."


  2.  The 80 / 20 Rule


  In 1896, an Italian economist named Wilfred Pareto noted that 80% of the land in Italy was owned by 20% of the population.  And from this initial discovery came the Pareto Principle - known to us today as the 80 / 20 rule.  Here is what it says - "80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes."

  Here is what it looks like today in real life:

• 80% of the world's wealth is controlled by 20% of it's population.
• 80% of the work is done by 20% of your team or volunteers.
• You eat the same foods 80% of the time.
• You really only wear 20% of your wardrobe.
• You spend 80% of your time with 20% of your friends.
• 80% of your stress in life comes from 20% of your activities.
• 20% of what you pack in your suitcase is essential for your travels.
• 20% of your time produces 80% of your effectiveness.

  The 80 / 20 principle is really powerful, and if you understand it, it can lead you to be more effective, successful and impactful.  If you understand the 20% of your efforts that are leading to 80% of your results, you can intentionally put more of your focus there.  Rather than spending most of your time on ineffective things, you can focus on the efforts that produce the most results.

• You can get rid of 80% of your "stuff" and not experience a significant change in your lifestyle or happiness.
• You can orient your life decisions (business, family, spiritual, financial) around those things that produce the most IMPACT.

  3. The Number "1"


   I am currently reading the book "The One Thing" by Gary Keller.  In this book he writes about the power of focusing most or even all of your time, energy and efforts on the one thing that matters most.  Keller writes, "Your work life is divided into two distinct areas - what matters most and everything else.  You will have to take what matters to the extremes and be okay with what happens to the rest.  Professional success requires it."  While some of you may push back on that thought, especially if you are looking at it from a professional church / religious perspective, I believe Keller forces us to have an important discussion.  Most businesses, churches, organizations are not struggling because they are doing too little - most of them are struggling because they are doing too much.  In our spiritual lives we can easily confuse activity with intimacy.  While Jesus was here on earth, He was focused on one thing - the will of His Father.  In Philippians 3:13-14 the apostle Paul wrote, "I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us."  And in James 1:8 we are warned that a person who is double-minded is unstable in everything they do.


  You will not live your life with real clarity and focus (which I personally believe should be an eternal focus) unless you know what matters most in your life.  What is most valuable to you?  Are you working hard at it?  Are you spending proportionately more time improving and doing it?  What guardrails have you built into your life to keep you from being detoured or distracted from "this one thing."

• If I were going to speak at your funeral, what "one thing" would you most want to be remembered for?
• If you were going to have a personal conversation with Christ, what "one thing" would He want to discuss with you?
• Which of those two questions I just asked is more important to you?

* Special thanks to Michael Lukazewski - my friend and coach who has added real value to my life and ministry.