“By focusing on results, you will find it easier to stay positive and encouraged.”

A thought by John C. Maxwell from his book, Beyond Talent (p. 78). HarperCollins Leadership. Kindle Edition. (Click on the book title to go to Amazon.com to buy the book.)

And we want that, don’t we?

John says, “Anytime you concentrate on the difficulty of the work at hand instead of its results or rewards, you’re likely to become discouraged. Dwell on the difficulties too long and you’ll start to develop self-pity instead of self-discipline, and your attention will become scattered instead of focused. As a result, you will accomplish less and less. By focusing on results, you will find it easier to stay positive and encouraged.”

He goes on, “Another thing that can distract you from results is interaction with difficult people. You will come in contact with a lot of people who can impact your efforts as you work on achieving your dreams—some in a negative way. Here are five types of people you are likely to encounter:

“• Refreshers—they inspire your dreams and energize your talents.

• Refiners—they sharpen your ideas and clarify your vision.

• Reflectors—they mirror your energy, neither adding nor subtracting from it.

• Reducers—they try to reduce your vision and efforts to their comfort level.

• Rejecters—they deny your talent, hinder your efforts, and impede your vision.”

John then says, “If you remain focused on results, you will stay grounded. The praise of others is less likely to go to your head, and the negative impact of people such as the reducers and rejecters will be minimized.”

So, will you start looking more at your results and strive to not get distracted?

Yes, yes!