Keeping The Main Thing

"The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing."

- Stephen Covey

(1932-2012) Author

Picture this: You are in a large city for the first time.  You are walking through town on your way to a restaurant to meet friends for dinner.  The lights of the city are amazing.  The streets are filled with people, tall buildings surround you and there is just so much to see.  After walking and taking in the sights you realize you have no idea where you are.  Somehow you got off track and now you are lost and have to spend the time trying to find the way to go.

                This is what often happens on our journey to success.  We start out knowing where we want to go and what we need to do.  There is however so much to see and new experiences to have along the way.  Many things come up, good things that seem at the time worthwhile.  Soon you are miles from your goal and have to figure out how to get back on track.

                Success-minded people realize that no matter how good a distraction may seem, it is still a distraction.  Only by keeping your eyes on your goal can you stay on track and achieve the things you desire. 

                People often make the mistake that the only road blocks or distractions we will face will be bad or dangerous things.  The truth is that most of the common distractions people face are really good thing in themselves.  It is just the wrong thing for you to be doing.  Just because something is good and helpful, does not mean it is right to do.  Success comes when we have the ability to discern the good from the better.  To be able to keep the main thing the main thing.

                This is why it is so important to have your goals written down.  Things that are written down do not change.  They become our map and guide to the goals we are pursuing.  Once you have a written goal and action plan to work with, you will know right away if you are going off path or not.  If you are, you can quickly change your direction and get back on the right path.

                There are millions of side roads on the road to success.  Most are good and worthwhile things, just not your thing.  No one can do it all and every good deed does not have to be done by you.  Do the tasks that move you toward your goals.  Learn the things that will help you to better achieve your goals.  Follow the map you have created and soon you will find your treasure as only you can.

To read more from John Patrick Hickey or to get his books, training and book him to speak to your church, business or group, visit our website at http://www.growthcenter.net or www.johnpatrickhickey.com.   © 2014 John Patrick Hickey