I'm Just Saying: FOCUS ON YOUR PURPOSE

The concept of purpose is a common theme in many religions and spiritual traditions. Many scriptures offer guidance and wisdom on how to discover and fulfill one’s purpose in life.

In the Bible, it is written in Jeremiah 29:11 that “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This verse suggests that God has a specific plan and purpose for each individual and that this purpose is meant to bring prosperity and hope.

In the Quran, it is written in Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185 that “Every soul shall taste death. And only on the Day of Resurrection shall you be paid your wages in full. And whoever is removed away from the Fire and admitted to Paradise, he indeed is successful. The life of this world is only the enjoyment of deception.” This verse suggests that the ultimate purpose in life is to seek salvation and achieve success in the afterlife.

In Hinduism, the concept of dharma, or one’s righteous duty, is central to understanding one’s purpose in life. It is believed that each person has a unique dharma based on their nature, abilities, and circumstances, and that fulfilling this dharma brings happiness and fulfillment.

In Buddhism, the concept of purpose is tied to the idea of suffering and the path to enlightenment. The Four Noble Truths state that suffering is an inherent part of life, but that it can be overcome through the Eightfold Path, which includes right understanding, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, and right concentration. Following this path is believed to lead to enlightenment and the end of suffering, and therefore serves as one’s ultimate purpose in life.

Ultimately, the concept of purpose is deeply personal and may vary from person to person. Many scriptures offer guidance on how to discover and fulfill one’s purpose, but it is up to each individual to seek out their own path and find meaning and fulfillment in life.

Jeremiah 29:11 is a well-known verse in the Bible that speaks to the concept of purpose. It reads, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This verse suggests that God has a specific plan and purpose for each individual and that this purpose is meant to bring prosperity, hope, and a positive future.

Pursuing one’s purpose can be a fulfilling and rewarding journey, but it can also be challenging at times.

Here are a few ways to approach pursuing your purpose based on the guidance of Jeremiah 29:11:

1. Trust in God’s plan: The verse states that God has a specific plan for each individual, and trusting in this plan can bring a sense of peace and direction. It’s important to remember that God’s plan may not always be clear or easy to understand, but trusting in it can help you navigate challenges and stay focused on your purpose.

2. Seek guidance from God: The verse encourages seeking guidance from God in order to fulfill your purpose. This can be done through prayer, reading scripture, and seeking the counsel of trusted friends, mentors, or spiritual leaders.

3. Remember that your purpose is meant to bring prosperity and hope: It’s important to keep in mind that your purpose is meant to bring positivity and blessings into your life. This can help you stay motivated and focused on your goals, even when faced with challenges or setbacks.

4. Take action: While seeking guidance and trusting in God’s plan is important, it’s also necessary to take action in order to pursue your purpose. This may involve setting goals, making a plan, and working towards your dreams.

Consequently, pursuing your purpose is a journey that requires patience, trust, and hard work. By following the guidance of Jeremiah 29:11, you can find meaning and fulfillment in your life and make a positive impact in the world.

So, how do you focus on your purpose. Focus refers to the ability to direct and sustain attention on a particular task or activity. It involves filtering out distractions and remaining concentrated on a specific goal. Good focus can help improve our productivity and efficiency, as it allows you to engage with a task and make progress toward completing it. For example, if your God given purpose is to publish self-help books for children to inspire and encourage through your art and poems, you would dedicate your time, talent, and resources with a goal in mind. If you don’t focus, it leads to a lack of focus which leads to difficulty completing what

you set out to do because of distractions, lack of sleep, and an excess of competing tasks or responsibilities. Developing good focus and concentration skills can take time and effort, but it can greatly improve your overall well-being and fulfilling your purpose.

It is a common belief that focus is a muscle that can be developed and strengthened over time, much like muscles. This means that the more you practice focusing and sustaining attention on a task, the better you will become at it. There are several practical strategies you can use to improve your focus and concentration skills. They include the following:

1. Reflect on your values and passions: Identifying what is most important to you and what you are most passionate about can help you narrow down your focus and find your purpose.

2. Set goals: Setting specific, achievable goals can help you stay motivated and focused as you pursue your purpose.

3. Seek out opportunities: Look for opportunities to learn new skills, gain experience, and make connections that can help you pursue your purpose.

4. Take risks: Don’t be afraid to take calculated risks in order to pursue your purpose. This may involve stepping out of your comfort zone or making sacrifices in the short term.

5. Seek support: Surround yourself with people who support and encourage you as you pursue your purpose. This can include friends, family, mentors, or a community of like-minded individuals.

6. Stay flexible: It’s important to stay open to new ideas and opportunities as you pursue your purpose. Don’t be afraid to pivot or adjust your plans as you learn and grow.

7. Persevere: Pursuing your purpose will likely involve challenges and setbacks. It’s important to stay committed and persevere through these challenges in order to achieve your goals.

By following these strategies, you can stay focused and motivated as you pursue your purpose and make progress towards your goals.