Focusing on your problems can make you feel helpless, frustrated, and even depressed. The more you focus on your problems, the more overwhelmed you’ll feel—and the less likely you’ll be to come up with solutions. Fortunately, there are several strategies that can help you create a healthy distance between yourself and your problems so that you can actually move past them. Here are some things to keep in mind when working to overcome tunnel vision
Focus in some cases breeds tunnel vision
When we focus on our problems, we can easily become tunnel-visioned. Our view narrows and we can only see the obstacles in front of us. This can lead to feelings of discouragement and defeat. However, when we shift our focus to Jesus, our perspective changes. We no longer see just the problems, but we also see the solutions. We see hope and possibility. So instead of focusing on your problems, shift your focus to Jesus. He is the source of hope and healing in your life.
How to focus on God's plan
It's easy to get caught up in our own problems and lose sight of God's plan for us. We can become so focused on our own lives that we forget to live for Him. But when we keep our eyes on Jesus, He will help us through whatever trials we're facing. Here are some ways to stay focused on God's plan:
1. Pray regularly. Spend time talking to God every day, and ask Him to help you stay focused on His plan.
2. Read your Bible. As you read God's Word, He will reveal His plan for your life.
3. Spend time with other believers.
Balancing our lives
Problems are a part of life for everyone. Nevertheless, when we focus on our problems, we can feel overwhelmed. We may lose sight of the bigger picture when we become too focused on our problems. You will have trouble in this world, but take heart! We can remember that Jesus has overcome the world, as well as our problems when we keep our eyes fixed on Him (John 16:33). In Him, we can find hope and peace. He is able to do abundantly more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power at work within us (Ephesians 3:20-21). Remembering that He is near provides comfort and assurance in troubled times. So let’s get away from the problems and look up to Christ!
Get out of the cycle
Stop fixating on what's wrong and what needs to be changed. If you don't, you'll be consumed by negativity. But this way of thinking is actually counterproductive. When you focus on your problems, you make them seem bigger and more insurmountable than they actually are. And that can lead to discouragement and defeat. So instead of fixating on your problems, focus on Jesus. He is the source of hope and strength, and He will help you overcome whatever challenges you're facing.
Intentional planning
Jesus said, Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you (Matthew 6:33). When we get caught up in our problems, it's easy to forget what's really important. We can become so focused on our own lives and our own problems that we lose sight of the bigger picture. But as the word of God states, when we focus on Jesus and his kingdom, everything else falls into place. It might not always happen as quickly as we want, but focusing on the right thing brings joy now and rewards later.
Setting yourself up for success
When you focus on your problems, you are essentially putting a magnifying glass on them and making them seem bigger than they are. You are also likely to become more stressed, which can lead to making poor decisions. On the other hand, when you focus on having a closer relationship with Jesus, you are putting your trust in Him. This doesn't mean your problems will go away, but it does mean that you will have His strength to help you through them. It is important to be aware of what is going on around you so that if there is an opportunity for you to pray for someone else, then take it!
There are so many people out there who need prayer and sometimes we forget about them because we're focused on our own problems. Prayer helps us stay focused on God's plan for our lives instead of our own desires.
Taking away emotion from decisions
In order to make good decisions, it is important to be able to take away the emotion from the equation. When we allow our emotions to guide our decisions, we are more likely to make choices that we later regret.
Time management
One of the most important things you can do for your mental health is to be consistent in prayer and bible study. When you make time for God, you're better able to see the good in your life and manage your time more effectively. If you're struggling with focus, try setting aside some time each day to pray and read your bible. You may find that it makes a world of difference.
One of my favorite passages to read is Psalm 121, I highly recommend you study it.
1-2 I look up to the mountains; does my strength come from mountains? No, my strength comes from God, who made heaven, and earth, and mountains.
3-4 He won’t let you stumble, your Guardian God won’t fall asleep. Not on your life! Israel’s Guardian will never doze or sleep.
5-6 God’s your Guardian, right at your side to protect you— Shielding you from sunstroke, sheltering you from moonstroke.
7-8 God guards you from every evil, he guards your very life. He guards you when you leave and when you return, he guards you now, he guards you always.
Fun fact: Psalms 120-134 are called "pilgrim psalms" or "Songs of ascent." Those who journeyed from the wider region to Jerusalem for the annual festivals were often sung to by those who had previously pursued a similar path, leading up to the temple. For many of these pilgrims, this music was their first exposure to a tradition that would sustain them throughout their lives. Psalm 120 begins the journey in a distant land in hostile surroundings. The psalmist asks to be saved from those who have treated him badly and shares the hope in what God will do for him in return.
The Bible is full of encouragement and proverbs that can be applied in modern-day life. These pieces of scripture have been translated and republished hundreds of times, and they are still as relevant today as they were when they were originally written. I hope this article was helpful and if it was, please leave a comment. God Bless you, my Friend.