“Target fixation is an attentional phenomenon observed in humans in which an individual becomes so focused on an observed object that their awareness of hazards or obstacles diminishes. The phenomenon is most commonly associated with scenarios in which the observer is in control of a high-speed vehicle or other mode of transportation. In such cases, the observer may fixate so intently on the target that they will not take necessary action to avoid it, thus colliding with it.” (Wikipedia)
A friend of mine said it this way, “I was on my bike and going around a curve, there was a big rock cliff in front of me, I saw it at got target fixation. I was supposed to look around the curve, but because I was fixated on the rock…you guessed it, I crashed.”
Target fixation is dangerous to motorcyclists, race car drivers, and to Christians.
What are you fixated on? Are you so fixated on the problem, that you drive into it head on? Or are you fixated on God, on Heaven, so that you meet Him head on?
It’s a choice really. I used to worry so much! I even worried about being worried too much. It’s an insane way to live. Anxiety will kill you. It was killing me and I was born again, spirit filled, believer. What choices did I make that caused this cycle of self abuse? I chose to fixate on my problems, my fears, and even the irrational stuff that probably never would have happened in a million years. If I had a choice of bad or good news, I hung onto the bad. Was there a lump, though I never spoke it out loud, my heart would cry “CANCER” before the doctor ever said, “let’s send of a biopsy.” Going on vacation? I expected frequent trips to nasty rest stops and waysides, due to a stomach issue. So what did I get, frequent trips to nasty rest stops and waysides, due to constant worry and anxiety that caused that stomach issue!
I am much smarter now…until I start to worry again. Thankfully I am more sensitive to the Holy Spirit that reminds me of Who I should be fixating on! Even though it helps us so much to keep our focus on Him, and we know that everything else tends to face in the light of His glory, the most important reason to give Him all of our attention is that He deserves it! He is so wonderful, so gracious, so generous, so LOVING, why would we ever take our eyes off of Him? But we do.
Next time you find yourself fixating on the problem, remind yourself of “Target Fixation” and get your focus back in alignment!
“A life committed to Christ had nothing to lose, nothing to fear, and nothing to regret.” Pastor Isaac Litke
Hebrews 12:2 (NASB), “Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”