Purpose Over Popularity: What You Focus On Will Grow

Let’s talk about the quiet pressure that’s crept into purpose work: the pressure to perform.

You start with a God-given assignment. You're clear, you’re focused, you’re faithful. Then you post something that doesn’t get the traction you hoped for. Suddenly, you're second-guessing the message. You adjust the tone. Change the format. Study the algorithm. And without even realizing it, you're making content for confirmation instead of obedience.

I've been there.

There were seasons where I watched the numbers too closely. Where I wondered, “Should I change my message to match what’s trending?” And while there's wisdom in studying what works, there’s danger in letting analytics become your assignment.

Let me remind you of something that keeps me grounded when I’m tempted to chase what’s popular:

What you focus on will grow. So if you're focused on approval, you’ll grow anxious. If you're focused on performance, you’ll grow tired. But if you stay focused on purpose, you’ll grow fruit.

Likes Are Not Leadership

Social media is a tool, not a scoreboard. You are not more anointed because something got shared 100 times. You’re not less impactful because something only got 12 likes.

The value of your purpose is not measured in views. It’s measured in obedience. And in impact you may never see this side of heaven.

I’ve had people message me years later saying, “That blog you wrote back in 2018 helped me make a major decision.” And at the time? That blog barely got any traction. But it did what God sent it to do. That’s the fruit that matters most.

3 Coaching Tips to Keep Purpose at the Center

1. Don’t Create for Reactions. Create From  Revelation

Before you post, share, or launch anything, ask: Did this come from a clear place of prayer, conviction, or calling? If yes, post it. Whether it gets traction or not, it was born in alignment, and that’s what matters.

Focus on impact, not impressions.

2. Pay Attention, But Don’t Bow to the Algorithm

Yes, analytics can tell you what’s connecting. Use them as a tool, but not as your truth. The algorithm might reward trends, but God honors authenticity.

If you're always shifting based on what’s popular, you’ll lose your voice trying to mimic someone else’s.

Instead, ask: What message has God trusted me with that I’m uniquely graced to carry? Build from that place.

3. Detach From Outcomes. Recommit to Obedience.

Results are God's job. Obedience is yours.

Whether 5 people or 5,000 engage stay committed to showing up, sowing the seed, and trusting God with the harvest.

Some of your most powerful work will be built in obscurity. That doesn’t make it less valuable. It makes it rooted.

Final Word

It’s okay to care about growth. It’s okay to desire impact. But when your eyes are too fixed on the response, you risk missing the assignment.

Popularity might get you applause. But purpose will keep you anchored.

So break the cycle. Stop trying to be the best version of a trend and start being the boldest version of who God called you to be.

Focus on purpose. Water that. And watch it grow.