Do you ever wonder what you can do in life to really make a difference? Apply yourself well. To your work, to your school, to your projects, and yes, even the mundane things such as dishes and laundry.
To be honest, I’ve found myself a bit distracted lately. For rather pleasant reasons really, but I realized I wasn’t focusing on what I was doing. Ages ago, I recommended a book, Cultivate by Lara Casey. In it she talks about the importance of being present and intentional right where you are. As I began realizing that I was rather distracted, I found myself recalling her valuable reminders.
And this has made all the difference in my work! It is said that awareness is the first step in improving things and I truly believe that!
Apply Yourself Well
There are so many projects, details, opportunities and distractions competing for our attention. If we truly want to do our tasks well and efficiently then we must focus on right where we are. There is a quote that goes something along the lines of “be where your feet are“. And this is so true!
If we will intentionally work on our current project we will find the progress more gratifying and rewarding! Just think about it: if you halfway work at something, pausing, getting distracted, and not giving it your full thought, you don’t feel very successful or accomplished do you?
But if you hone in on what you’re doing, perhaps play some music – definitely enjoy yourself, but really focus on the task at hand, when you’ve completed it or been called away from it you still feel satisfied and successful don’t you? You have the victory of knowing that you did apply yourself well!
Though you may be overrun with jobs, details, and many odds and ends, you can apply yourself well, one item at a time. The exciting news is that this focused application will have a snowball effect! The better you are to apply yourself, the easier it will become AND the more progress you will make! That’s not to say that it will always be easy, but rather that you can create new habits and get back on track faster when you find you have gotten distracted.
Remarkable Achievements
Do you know what another added bonus is when you apply yourself well? You achieve remarkable things! True, it will take some time to see them, but the truth is you are nurturing and cultivating them in your faithfulness! One day you will see the incredible fruits of your labors!
There will always be a return on your investment. You reap what you sow. And also, Proverbs reminds us that “where no oxen are, the manger is clean. But much revenue comes by the strength of the ox.” So next time you don’t want to delve into a complex project, remember that a lot can be achieved if you will put one foot in front of the other and focus on the end goal. Don’t let the mess, the disruption, the inconvenience, etc, slow you from getting your work done.
But also, definitely be as organized and tidy as you can be mid-project. A tidy work area will help you be more efficient and – if you are at all like me – more at peace!
Another aspect of applying yourself well is the delight in seeing progress! Sometimes this progress won’t be in the specific area you are currently working, but in another area that is also important to you!
Full Focus
Did you need this reminder as much as I did? It is so important to give our work our full focus. A divided mind can’t accomplish near what a well focused mind can! And as children of God, each of us has a special assignment from God and we should want to give Him our very best in everything!
Always remember, when you do your work for God, everything becomes important. You are no longer saddled with petty tasks, all of your work is important to Him! He loves the details and I believe He especially loves when His children do too!
Until Next Time!
Hope.
PS. Keep reading: https://www.theamericanlady.com/2021/07/21/part-of-the-process/