Overcoming Distractions, Discouragement, and Discord

Life is full of light and darkness.  What matters most is what we choose to focus on and knowing what to let go of.  We've all wrestled with the demons of distractions, discouragement, and discord from time to time.  The sooner we learn to destroy them effectively, the sooner we will start walking into our destiny.  In this post, we will look at strategies to defeat these demons to ensure that they don't continue to disrupt our lives and career. 

DISTRACTION:

According to Google, distraction is anything that prevents us from giving our full attention to something else.  That said, distraction is not all bad. Sometimes we need to divert our attention from one thing or the other lest we become obsessive-compulsive about it—which is no good in the end. Even the scripture tells us there is a time and a season for everything. Distraction can be mental, actual, emotional, or spiritual.  It can be pleasurable or painful. It's all a matter of perspective. One thing for certain, if it is preventing you from focusing on and/or doing what must be done, it is a distraction. Distraction creates confusion as opposed to clarity.  Those endless chatter/gossip about nonsensical matters, those mild agitations, those idea bombs, and technological notifications can all be placed in your basket of distractions and return to sender.  It's time to cancel your subscription to their issues. 

Here are some ways I eliminate distractions from my life:  

• I focus on my own vision and mission. 
• I strive to become more creative with my time and energy such as volunteering or delving into my writing.  
• I spend alone time with God in silence reflecting on His goodness and mercies towards me 
• I PARK MY GREAT IDEAS IN A NOTE BOOK to avoid mental fatigue. 
• I turn off most notifications on my devices.  
• I take a sabbatical from social media every once in a while.
• I plan time for distractions and to daydream. 

Daydream is not a waste of time. It is an opportunity to visualize your future and try to align it with God's Plan for your life. All work and no play will make you depressed. However, distractions will leave you feeling wired, tired, and good for nothing. Ask yourself, is there a way my distractions have me behaving that is contrary to my desires? Then eliminate those behaviors.

DISCOURAGEMENT:

Have you ever felt so discouraged that death would be a better option?  The devil knows our most vulnerable and weakest state and he is not afraid to use it against us.  He will find people to discourage us, especially after a major win. The first thing to do is to become clear about your discouragement.  What's really at the root of your discouragement? Why are you feeling discouraged? Sometimes discouragement is a displaced emotion. The devil is a lying perpetrator. Find a way to get out of your head and tap into your spiritual strength. Yes, you can!  Whenever you feel discouraged or doubtful, turn your Bible to Joshua 10:25: "Fear not, nor be dismayed, be strong and of good courage for so shall the Lord do to all your enemies against whom you fight." And, 1 John 4:4: "Greater is He that is in me than he that is in the world." Know that discouragement is from the pit of hell.  It creates self-pity and loneliness leading to depression. Let nothing or no one steal your joy! 

To overcome discouragement:

• Recall a previous triumph or blessing in your life or someone you know. 
• Find supportive people to place in your corners and share your thoughts with them.
• Never build a wall around yourself—the same wall that you build to protect you will destroy you by creating isolation. 

Also, read other Biblical stories about how David, Elijah, and Jeremiah overcame discouragement and great despair. Be self-assured in God's promise and stay strong and confident.

DISCORD:

Often times discord sets in because of resentment and jealousy.  People will hate you and sow seeds of discord because they are jealous of the favor you've found with others, that you are doing something positive with your life and endeavoring to make a difference, or because you are attractive.  Even those who seemingly supported you, in the beginning, will begin to assassinate your character and look for ways to bring you down and create division and isolation. Discord is a giant demon. Difficult people who continually devise mischief by speaking or insinuating lies about others out of sheer jealousy perpetrate it. (Read Proverbs 6.) They are driven by prejudices and "isms" and schisms.  

To overcome discord:

• Strive to shut it down if at all possible by defending the truth and standing up against hostility and hatred with gentleness and love.  
• Do not render evil for evil. 
• Forgive them. These people are empty inside and spiritually bankrupt, no matter how many friends they seem to have.

To that end, guard your heart at all cost because out of it comes the issue of life! Be vigilant and fierce knowing that some people come into your life to sow seeds of distractions, discouragement, and discord. Also, be mindful of the ones you are unintentionally sowing. Let your fruits be sweet and never bitter.

Until next time,

This is AggieStrong!

Be blessed. Be bold. Be strong. Be You!

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Andrene Gregory is a life coach at Aggie Strong Ultimate Life Coaching Services. You can follow her on Instagram, Twitter, Google+, and LinkedIn for more of information and learn more about her. She provides one-to-one coaching and group workshops to adults seeking to improve their life skills, lifestyle and leadership capabilities for greater confidence and work-life balance.