KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE PRIZE — Avoiding Distractions

By Dr. Alfred S. Titus, Jr.

The year 2020 was filled with an enormous amount of turbulence and distractions. COVID-19 and the resulting school and business closings, the dining and travel restrictions, and the horrifying deaths of friends and loved ones seemed to turn the world upside down. The bizarre political environment that seemed to close the year out was reinvigorated in 2021 by the Capitol attack that reminded us that things would never be the same in this country. The distractions are many and quite unnerving for those who are established and already making their way through life, but for those starting out and trying to find their way, these distractions can be disastrous.

As a college professor, I hear from numerous students who are extremely troubled by what is occurring in this country. They are confused and more uncertain than ever about their career paths and what lies ahead for their future. They express anxiety and fear and are yielding to the feelings that they do not know what to do. Many of our young people have seemed to have lost their way.

I remind our youth that it is more important than ever for them to stay focused and not let the events and issues around them become a distraction on the road to the successes they desire in their lives. Distractions are one of the many obstacles along the road to success. By design, distractions take us away from our purpose; they can make us feel that the issue is more important than our own goals for success. These distractions can immobilize our young people and give them reason to hesitate, make excuses for why they cannot succeed, why now is not the right time, and why the universe is out of sync with their goals. Nonsense, in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, “It is always the right time to do what’s right,” and working towards your goals and your future are the right thing to do. In fact, the events that are occurring should serve to empower and give purpose where purpose may be lost. A reminder of how important it is to succeed and to be the example for their families and their children.

I am in no way belittling or minimizing the importance and urgency of the issues occurring today. These are significant issues that require specific immediate action to bring awareness and show disapproval. These issues are not to be ignored but instead handled accordingly. Protests, marches, conversations, and other activities and involvements are necessary and should carry on. In moments like these, a pause to examine the situation and address the issue can be an appropriate response. The pause can consist of enough moments in time and enough involvement to gain satisfaction where you can resume your grind while monitoring the developments. At the ready to get involved when and where needed again. We must welcome this young spirit and understand that it is the young who have initiated change in the past, and we must honor it.

Through my speeches and workshops, I promote the importance of having a plan and staying focused on the road to success. Our young people should be encouraged to continue to change and heal the world while being reminded to position themselves to benefit from the progress they are creating. As the old saying goes, “keep your eyes on the prize.” I teach that despite distractions, obstacles, and the hectic nature that life takes on, we must all stay focused and driven, intentional and determined, all while remaining motivated and empowered.

Contact me for information on speaking to your group or putting on a workshop for your organization:

Dr. Alfred S. Titus, Jr.

Forward Motion Life Success, Inc.

www.forwardmotionlifesuccess.org

Email: ATitus@forwardmotionlifesuccess.org

Telephone #: 646–389–4411