Can’t see the tree for the forest

Can’t see the tree for the forest

Yeah, I know I have that backwards.

“Can’t see the forest for the trees” is an expression used to describe that person who can’t grasp the big picture (the forest) because he’s too focused on the detail (the tree).

Over the last few days, I’ve struggled with the opposite issue. I can’t seem to focus on the tree anymore because I’ve become overwhelmed by the bigger picture.

When I first discovered that I lost my job I was very focused on what I needed to do. I knew there were several steps I needed to take and they were very clear to me. I was laser-focused on the one tree in front of me; able to block out the rest of the forest.

However in the last couple of days, all the details of the forest itself; every branch, every leaf and twig has crowded into my field of vision; vying for space and attention. I can’t seem to focus on the target tree anymore. There are too many trees. The enormity of the forest has overtaken the single tree I need to keep my eye on. Make sense?

Have you ever felt that way? You’re on track, in the groove. And then suddenly the scope of everything else becomes real to you and you become paralyzed; unable to move. So to regain my focus, I’ve decided I’m going to work on these four things. Hopefully, they’ll help me get back on track.

  1. Stop. When you are not sure where you’re going it’s wise to stop moving. When your destination blurs, more movement can take you even further off course. Stop wandering. Be still. Be quiet.
  2. Close your eyes. One of the things that causes us to lose our focus is that we’ve become inundated with outside input; we’re getting too many ideas and opinions from others. It’s time to shut down for a while. All the random input begins to cloud our vision; making it much more difficult to focus on our true target. There is a time and a place for outside input and perspective but sometimes it’s just too much. Close your eyes and close yourself off from all those external voices that distract and pull you away from your target.
  3. Go back to your original vision. Read those verses in Scripture again that launched your vision. Go back and read your journal where you first articulated what you were feeling in your heart. It’s time to get back to the basics. What was it that came before the details, the plans, the strategies? What was the pure seed of an idea that started all this? Get that one thing crystal clear in your mind.
  4. Now open your eyes and start moving. Now that your eyes are open, find the target and start moving. With every step you take in that direction your target becomes clearer and your confidence grows.

The forest is important and has it’s place. But don’t let the big picture distract you from your focus.

Related Posts

2 comments

  • Michael, Christmas this past year (2012) was that refocus time for me. It ended up being so beautiful and set the pace for the next 3 months until I did find work. Your steps explain so well how I relaxed into it. Now I’ll admit though that much of that was at first not my choice. As I accepted it, it was so good.

    Reply
  • It’s interesting how just when you should be still and “relax into it,” is exactly the time when you’re so tempted (and pushed by others) to rush around, make the calls, set up the appointments, check your email every minute of the day, check the job boards, etc., etc.; just the opposite of what you should be doing! Thanks John for your comments!

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *