Staying Focused

“You must be wise and stay focused on the goals you are trying to reach.” 
― Germany Kent

Being a teenager today must be quite an interesting life. You seem to be hitting on so many opportunities out there with advanced and available support systems. I’m not glossing over the challenges and difficulties but I find that there are better prospects for teenagers now than in the past. I also find that it is particularly, difficult for a teenager to stay focused on their studies, goals, etc, as a result of too many distractions – positive and negative. They include electronic gadgets, friends, social media, entertainment, celebs, sports, etc.

With so much planning and execution regarding your future, these distractions can undermine your efforts big time! You have to pay close attention to your studies – high school, college/university, etc; your career or entrepreneurship intentions; relationships; work skills, social skills, soft skills, life skills, etc. In order to come out tops in whatever may be your pursuit, you have to learn to stay focused, like ‘keep your eye on the ball’.

How? Identify your dreams, desires and goals; break them into manageable bits; and work on them… daily.

§  The best goals are written. Your brain wasn’t meant to be a storage facility; it was built for processing. When you carry your dreams in your head, you’ll end up with stagnated remembrance but when you write them down, you can review, revise, expand, edit…whatever. Let your goals be as specific as possible with reasons why you want to reach them. Go over them regularly, especially during tough times and discouraging moments. You’ll find yourself snapping back to life because there’s just something you’ve got to do.

§  Set timelines. When do you expect to achieve your various goals? You can make use of a calendar or planner and mark due dates. It is important that the timelines are realistic. For instance, they must comply with the law. So you shouldn’t be setting a time for getting a Driver’s License before you are legally eligible. As you review, edit and update them, whenever necessary, you will find out if you are doing well or not (and why).

§  Get a mentor. You may need guidance from someone who is older, more experienced and has accomplished something similar. Ask your parents, school guidance, family and friends for recommendations on where to find potential mentors in your chosen field. You can even participate in mentorship programs in your community where you will be paired with a willing mentor looking to teach up-and-coming youths.

§  Internship. Internship experience, during holidays or off-school periods, is an excellent way to gain experience for your future profession, resume, and build a network in your field. Look out for/ask about companies requesting student interns, whether by looking in the local newspaper or searching online job sites. As an intern, you need to work hard, willingly accept responsibilities, and develop relationships.

§  Clear distractions. This might be hard but it is possible. It takes courage, discipline and determination. You must be ready to jettison the ‘good’ for the ‘best’. Therefore, plan your study time, work time and leisure time. Keep the music playing, movie watching and phone ringing away from study and work periods. Ask your family and friends to show understanding and support by not interrupting you at these times. A better utilization of time is an expression of maturity and determination to stay focused on your dreams.

§  Hang out with people of like-mind. People with similar aspirations are more likely to encourage you to reach yours than those who don’t. So, identify such people and spend as much time with them as possible. This is not to say you should do away with your friends who don’t want to do the same things like you but it is important that your friends have their own dreams to pursue and will support you in yours. Spending time with people of like-mind should help you develop yourself and work diligently towards your goals. Even when you get criticized, take out the lesson and work towards improvement.

§  Stick with God. At those crucial moments of your life, the most sincere being in your life and future is God. Don’t forget that your life plan should be in line with His purpose. So, as you celebrate milestones achieved, celebrate His faithfulness, mercy, favour, blessing, guidance, wisdom…name it. Don’t take Him for granted. He is all that you need…and more.

“Focus on your work. Do what you're great at. Don't compare yourself to others and or waste time criticizing the lives and work of others. Do what matters most to you and make a difference doing that.” 
― Germany Kent