Tunnel Vision
Have you ever heard the saying that “it is best to run your own race instead of trying to run alongside other people”? This quote speaks to the condition of so many people in our society who get distracted with the things of the world instead of activating and acting on the many gifts that are present within them. When you are consumed with comparing yourself to other people, it could render you unproductive with your personal goals and visions. Also, lack of focus on your personal purpose could cause you to feel unqualified to accomplish what God set out for you to do in this lifetime.
There are many distractions that get in the way of people acting on their visions. For example, overconsumption of social media can cause you to compare yourself to other people and result in you feeling that your life is lacking in many areas. On the other hand, some people become preoccupied with the different obstacles that might arise while they are working toward acting on their vision. Some people stand in their own way when doubt, fear and anxiety creep in. These personal obstacles could cause you to question your abilities and knock you completely off your road to success.
I believe we are called to challenge both worldly and internal distractions by establishing tunnel vision. Merriam Webster Dictionary provides different definitions for the term tunnel vision. Definitions include the following:
“1. Constriction of the visual field resulting in loss of peripheral vision.”
“2. A condition in which you can see things that are straight ahead of you but not to the side.”
“3. A tendency to think only about one thing and to ignore everything else.”
In some definitions that were shared, I found tunnel vision to have negative connotations. However, I am opting to re-adopt this term in a more positive way. God is calling us to circle in on our visions. To follow the guided track that has been laid in front of us, we must eliminate the interferences and obstacles that are taking us off course. Proverbs 4:25 states, “Let your eyes look directly forward, and your gaze be straight before you.” God wants us to focus on the things he has for us. He wants us to experience the joy of fulfilling our purpose and vision here on earth.
Below are ways writing could be used to support you in creating a tunnel vision.
1.Write down your barriers and the things that sidetrack you. Self reflection and awareness are essential if you are going to get back on track with your vision. During this stage, I would encourage you to write down all the things that might be slowing you down. Honesty is essential in this part of the process, because if you are not able to identify behaviors that need to change then you might continue down a path of unproductivity. The bible says, “Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken” (Psalm 55:22). God wants us to speak openly about our shortcomings so that He can work to deliver us from these areas.
2. Write prayers in support of eliminating barriers. 1 John 5: 14-15 reminds us “And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us. And if we know that he hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests that we have asked of him.” Writing down specific and straight forward prayers that address the areas where you might need support from God could positively impact your progress. This intentional act means that you are ready to re-establish your focus. God desires for us to lean on Him, but we are called to take the initial step of asking for His help.
3. Step out in obedience and make a change. Deuteronomy 28:1 provides insight into the importance of obedience and discipline. The verse states that we should, “Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess” (Deuteronomy 28:1). You might find that during this stage you feel a tug to deactivate your social media accounts or distance yourself from certain people who are distractions from your progress.
If you are going to create momentum and establish tunnel vision some form of action step must be taken.