Opportunity or Distraction
How do you tell the difference? What is your vetting process? Emerging leaders routinely complain about the seemingly endless distractions they face. And in the midst of fragmented minds and procrastinating coworkers, you can quickly distinguish between opportunities and distractions.
On a dusty first century road, Jesus and his disciples were trekking to Jerusalem. Jesus was on a mission. His disciples were along for the walk. Jesus relates to them how the events of the next few days will unfold. It included some difficult moments and dark hours. Two unfocused mentees interrupt with a rather brash statement. They asked for prominence.
Jesus took the teachable moment to compassionately explain how leadership influence is granted. It is not by declaration, but by preparation. Hearing this, the other ten unfocused men chimed in with their own indignation. The men were distracted by the peripheral and their desire for notoriety. Jesus reigns them in by stating that “whoever wishes to become great shall become a servant.”
On the road to Jerusalem they pass through Jericho, where they encounter a blind beggar beseeching Jesus to regain his sight. Taking the time to interact with the man, Jesus grants his request. Jesus did not detour from his path to Jerusalem. He did not lose his objective. He did take time to pause and meet the need of a man in distress.
So what is the difference? The unfocused disciples were distracted by the peripheral. They expected an early kingdom, complete with prestigious positions. Selfish ambition attracts distractions.
The focused Jesus took time for an opportunity that did not derail him. His focus was restoring people. Jerusalem would be His supreme act. Jericho was an opportunity to restore on a much smaller scale. Focused leadership attracts opportunities.
Some of my key takeaways:
It is easier to consider opportunities while focused than it is to gain focus while considering opportunities.
(P+F=O) A person with focus leads to opportunities.
(P-F=D) A person without focus leads to distractions.
In pursuit of your success, make time for opportunities to help others succeed.
If your plans for the future only include you, you aren’t leading.
Questions for consideration:
How do you stack up? Are you focused? What opportunities fit your mission? What distractions reveal your unfocused mind?
For further reading:
Tags: distractions, focus, leadership, mentor, opportunities, PunderA