Think of a beautiful landscaped yard. It didn’t get that way without proper care, sun, watering and pruning. By definition pruning is the act of trimming, or removing what is superfluous. Pruning gives us a great example and analogy of the power of focus in our lives.

As I sit in my office, I look out at a small river birch tree that was planted about two years ago. I have watched the three main trunks of the tree grow and expand from my office window. But…when I look at the tree close up, I notice that there are often small sprouts growing from the main trunks—not branches, but other small offshoots which, if left untouched, would create additional trunks. I have been told by those who know far more than I about trees, that if I don’t prune the tree, the tree will not grow properly. If the small shoots are allowed to grow, the energy and strength required from the main trunks will be misplaced into smaller, newer developments.

And I am once again reminded of how nature shows us lessons of life. Just as the offshoots distract the tree from growing its main trunks, distractions in your life will take energy and strength from your ability to pursue your core purpose.

Especially this time of year, we face plenty of distractions. The thought of spring and warmer weather seems to bring all kinds of thoughts and ideas out of hibernation. Some of those thoughts are in need of rejuvenation, but some are simply distractions. Yet, we allow distractions to become part of our plans. Kevin McCarthy in his wonderful book, “The On-Purpose Business” tells us that “Plans not anchored in your purpose are costly distractions.” Costly in time, money, and energy.

So how do you assure that you are spending time doing things which are in line with your core purpose? If you are ever in doubt, ask yourself the following questions:

• Is what you are doing right now in line with your purpose?
• Is it helping you get closer to your goals?
• Is your focus on growing the main branch of your birch tree, or do you need to prune?

Be Free!

Leah Simpson
Instructor

PS – How do you stay on purpose and avoid distractions? Post a comment below.