As you may know by now, my word for 2013 is “Focus.” Over the course of the last five months I feel as though my efforts to really pursue greater focus in my life have been completely under attack. To be honest, I don’t feel like I’m making any progress in this area. I feel more scattered and distracted than ever!
Last night I was discussing my frustration with my husband. He was very encouraging and reminded me that all of us need to “refocus” every once in a while.
The word “refocus” made me think about a behavior modification program that several of the teachers in our local school district use with their students. Whenever a student is struggling to meet classroom expectations (talking at inappropriate times, getting off-task, not completing work, etc.), the teacher will hand the student a form and instruct them to “go refocus.” The student will then go to a designated area and fill out the Refocus form. In essence, the form asks three basic questions:
(1) What were you doing?
(2) What were you supposed to be doing?
(3) What will you do differently next time?
This gives the child the opportunity to think about the choices they have been making and how to make better, more appropriate choices in the future. Once they have completed the form, they review it with the teacher. They are also required to take the form home, review it with a parent, have the parent sign the form, and then return it to the teacher the next day.
Some students just go through the motions and this process has little long-term effect on their behavior. But for many students, a Refocus really does help them evaluate and take responsibility for their choices.
Due to my own recent behavior and choices, I have decided to give myself a Refocus. Admittedly, this may seem a bit unusual, but I need to get myself back on track. Desperate times call for desperate measures!
(1) What were you doing? Allowing myself to get distracted by situations and circumstances over which I have little or no control, brooding over the lack of an apology that I believe I deserve but doesn’t seem to be forthcoming, over-committing and allowing my schedule to get too busy, sweating the small stuff and letting fear creep in, and not getting enough sleep!
(2) What were you supposed to be doing? Not worrying, prioritizing my to-do list and keeping a sane schedule, guarding my heart, trusting God, and going to bed at a decent hour.
(3) What will you do differently next time? Walk in faith rather than fear, allow grace to abound towards myself and others, grow in discipline, daily pursue my purpose, be positive, trust God, and get some sleep!
Some students only have to Refocus once or twice in order to change their behavior. I might be one of those challenging students who have to go through the process multiple times before change occurs. At least I don’t have to do it alone…
“And I am certain that God, who began the good work within you, will continue His work until it is finally finished on the day when Christ Jesus returns.” ~Phil 1:6