Even when you don’t feel like it, do the things that are going to produce the outcomes you desire. Nick Saban, Alabama football head coach

The outcome. What you want your future to be. How you see your life play out. How you desire to see yourself when you turn around and look at the journey that you have been on. How you want to be perceived by others. The qualities that you would have your friends, family, those who know you best list about you. The faith you hope to display to the world.

When you think about the outcome desired, the future is bright, the possibilities are endless. Faith is grasped and one finds hope, desire, and motivation when they focus on the outcome. Obstacles fade when one focuses on the outcome. Negativity is erased and positivity abounds. Focusing on the desired outcome increases confidence and self-esteem.

But, if you are like me, the tendency is to focus on past failures or present hardships, the obstacles that seem insurmountable. It is here that our minds are full of the impossibilities of life. Our feelings drive us to despair, to lose energy, hope, and confidence.

But, feelings are shallow. In fact, Adrian Rogers called our feelings “the shallowest part of our beings.” Feelings will not drive consistent outcomes.

In his book Clear Thinking, Shane Parrish details ways that our mind pulls us away from focusing on desired outcomes.

• Self-Accountability. We avoid self-accountability. The tendency is for us to put our lives on auto-pilot, become complacent, maybe measure our lives against others. Situations that have happened may be out of your control, but you do control the next move.
• Self-Knowledge. The author says that “knowing just what it is that you know is the most practical skill you can have.” The tendency may be to stop listening, check out, immediately think you know the answers or have the correct point-of-view. Knowing our boundaries provides humility, cultivates a team, and allows room for dependance on others.
• Self-Control. Self-control is defined as “the ability to master your fears, desires, and other emotions.” So many times, we allow our emotions to dictate our moves. Pause and learn to control this emotional force within you.
• Self-Confidence. Parrish defines self-confidence as “trusting in your abilities and your value to others.” The natural thought is to look at others, compare, and miss who you uniquely are, how you are gifted. Negative self-talk begins and your self-perceived abilities shrink. Remember the tough times that you have been through, as this gives you the confidence to know that you can take on the future. A smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.

So many business and life principles have their origin in Scripture. This is true of outcomes.

The Bible is a book that focuses one on outcomes. Faith calls us to turn from the past, lay aside what burdens us, and focus on the outcome, the work of Jesus. The faith of the Bible calls us to put our life, our dreams, our hope in Christ. This requires a daily, almost constant, focus. And, this focus provides great peace, as we are certain of the outcome.

Faith is being sure of what you hope for, certain of what you cannot see. Hebrews 11:1

As the old hymn says, Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in his wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of his glory and grace.

It is true. When we turn from the chaos of the world and look to the face of Christ, He calms the soul with the certain outcome that is in His hands.

Today, focus on your next move that will drive the outcome that is desired. No wonder Nick Saban is arguably the best coach in the history of the game.

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