Focused Growth

From time to time we all have some challenging days. I have experienced a few of them in my life. Those were times where I just wanted to quit. But during those times I am still learning to focus more on the reasons for going after my goals than the challenges I face. Zig Ziglar said it this way, "When obstacles arise change our direction to reach our goals, don't change our decisions to get there." Where we put our focus helps us or hinders us in the direction we grow. Here are some areas to help us to have focused growth in the mist of tough times.

1.   Check Gratitude – Our daily actions should reflect our appreciation of what we have right now. Staying focused on our goals requires acceptance of problems and circumstances. One writer said it's like this, "Our problems are not a stop sign but guidelines for our lives."

Be grateful for your problems. Count your blessings in the mist of all the chaos. When you can see your problems as a blessing you will be less likely to avoid them but embrace them because their purpose is to guide you to your next level of growth to your goal.

2.   Know Achievements – Keeping in mind what we have learned is pivotal for continual growth. It has been said that when we don't know our history we are bound to repeat it. Our primary purpose for reflecting on the past should be to maximizing our strengths and improving our weakness. For me, an achievement I constantly reflect on is the struggle I had and have in overcoming my brain tumor. The victory back then encourages me to stay focused when I'm hit with reasons to quit.

Know what you have done and what you are able to do. Your success and failures make up who you are today. Don't complain nor brag about the past, your comments will make no significant changes. Focus on your current goal and apply what you have learned from your past. Growth happens when you can continue to move in the right direction despite obstacles. Socrates said it this way, "The secret of change is to focus all of your energy not on fighting the old but building the new.

3. Think Success – Our thoughts make up the most of what we can and can't do. The destiny of our future is directly connected to what we process mentally today.

Take each moment to think positively about your life and your future. You have a reason for being here and going through what you are facing. Take every thought and make it focus on the reasons why you can do it. Be confident in reminding yourself that you can be successful at reaching your goals and overcoming the challenges of failure.

Your growth can take place by focusing on being grateful, reflecting on past achievements and thinking successful thoughts about your goals in the chaotic times of life. 

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