As Q4 launches for 2021 all across the planet, many of us are focusing on the drive to end the year well. I have a ton of thoughts reeling through my mind as this month becomes a reality on the calendar.

One of the first things I note is the level of distraction in our lives currently. I’d like to say politics aside, but everything has become politicized. This cloud hangs over us in a constant mist activated by leadership and media alike. However, there is more to being distracted. Where do you go online when you aren’t working? Where does your mind go when you should be working? How concerned are you about the news around you?

Heck, some distractions are great! For me personally, as I call out in the video, mountain biking is a thing I love to do, and it is great for me. Having the gift of discernment to recognize when it’s a bonus to life vs. a distraction is a big deal. Fitness, camaraderie, and mental space are beneficial, but if it interferes with forward-moving productivity when that is truly needed… it can be interpreted as a negative.

Distractions today are many: Clark barking across the street, mountain bike adventures missed, oil contamination at my beach, customer emails, homeschoolers and the wifi, allergies, social media, etc… If Productivity is your friend and your priority, then distractions would be an enemy.

In the video, I mention different faiths leading to different ideas about distractions. Without going too deep, this is to say that life is full of ying and yang, light and dark, good and evil. As a Christian, I believe in the good vs. evil scenario. I believe there are forces that know what value I can bring to the table. I believe that my flexibility to communicate with the masses and love on people in a less “judgy” way is something the other side would love to keep under wraps. When I hear people utter assumptions about Christians and lump me in, sometimes I am taken back… but then I get it.

I have a friend in the Powersports Industry that seemed surprised I was a Christian and said “Man, I really thought you were smarter than that”. I had a Mañana No Mas! client open with “I should tell you I am an Athiest – is that going to be an issue?”. While others may be taken back by these types of questions or statements, I think of my savior and what he would have done, and how He lends me grace in my own faults. He would have embraced them and loved them where they were at. Sometimes I think it’s easier to show Christianity than to tell it. So how can I show it to the masses? By constantly making forward strides and getting in front of more people.

Balance is a keyword. You want to be knowledgeable about the world around you. You want to have rounded interests. You also have a responsibility if you are a leader to be a good steward of your community. I implore you to be reasonable. Recognize the things you cannot directly affect and stay the course on your priorities.

Avoid the Distractions keeping you from your best!