How to stay focused on your biggest priorities?
Not surprisingly, one of the most popular questions I'm asked is
"How can I stay focused?".
In the information age today, the most sought-after jobs are those that require human ingenuity, creative problem-solving, and novel solutions.
The kind of work that asks for a deep focus on the task at hand.
This makes our attention one of our most valuable assets.
Therefore, improving our sustained attention and getting better at high-concentration activities, have great paybacks
Developing the ability to stay focused is the key if you want to do things that you haven't done before, -like some of the things you will need to do for reaching your goals-.
It is easy to lose focus, but it is also like a muscle.
It can be strengthened with practice when you -time and time again- choose where your attention goes.
Today, I want to remind you of some proven ways to improve your focus.
1- Get clear on your priorities
It’s easy to get overwhelmed and distracted by a long to-do list.
You cannot stay focused on "everything".
It’s important to identify your top priorities.
Understanding your priorities will also improve your weekly and daily planning.
Then identify your priorities for "a certain shorter-term time block", to get clear on what deserves your attention, moment by moment.
2-Block time for your biggest priorities
Setting your goals is the first step to finding your focus, but scheduling blocks of time to work on those goals may be more important. To increase your focus, identify which important projects will require long stretches of uninterrupted work.
Then block out time on your calendar to work on them, uninterrupted -as much as possible-.
3-Plan ahead When you plan ahead, instead of having to decide what to do, you start the day knowing exactly what to do.
Planning upfront boosts your productivity because it allows you to use your energy on actually working on your biggest priorities with your full focus and attention, instead of still having to make decisions about them.
Identifying your priorities reduces overwhelm and procrastination, and helps you to start each day clearly and focused.
4-Work on your biggest priority first
Early bird or night owl, your golden hours, -where you feel energized, clear and confident-, are the prime time for greater productivity.
It's easy to lose focus if you start your day with tasks you find boring or aren't motivated by.
It can also be frustrating when you have ambitious plans for the day, but end the day with an unfinished to-do list.
To increase your focus, it’s best to get up and get started on your biggest priority first thing in the day.
When you start on your biggest priority first thing; you use your "fresh energy of the day" to tackle it.
Then you can surf the motion it brings with it
Because everything you do afterward will feel very charming and easier to do.
I'm most productive in the first two hours when I start working.
And I like to have something planned for that time window; something that I find important.
5-Celebrate your progress Achieving daily and weekly wins, however small, builds positive habits and increases focus.
Once you start celebrating daily wins, your brain will encourage you to keep going in search of the next win, which increases your focus.
And recognizing your progress boosts your confidence to stay focused on your bigger goals.
When you flex your focus muscle, you can be more productive and spend more time and energy on what’s important to you.
I hope you found this helpful, and if so please feel free to share with others.