Focus Takes Effort

Cell phone. Social media. Travel. Email. Family. Netflix. Text messages. Friends. How on earth can I stay on task with everything going on in my life?

Great question. So many things compete for our attention, yet deep down we know that reaching our goals is a matter to focus. Indeed, to effectively lead our private and business lives we must do the right thing at the right time.

Focus is a key component of effective leadership, and while we each have our own way of getting the job done, in our experience there are several simple, proven tools that can help you stay on time and on target.

1. Know yourself
2. Schedule time away from the noise
3. Schedule time to plug in
4. Use the clock as your friend
5. Ask others to help

Knowing yourself means you can identify the things that pull you off target. Ask yourself “What are the most distracting things my life, and how do I keep them from sabotaging my day?”

Scheduling time away from the noise gives you the peace and quiet needed to stay on task. Do you schedule time each day away from your electronic communication devices?

You must be present to win, so put time on your calendar to plug in. Do you set aside specific times during the day to check your email, phone, and social media accounts?

Breaking your day into time blocks can help. If you set aside 30 minutes right before lunch to check and respond to email, set 30 minutes aside to enjoy your lunch. The clock is not your enemy unless you choose to make it one.

Asking for help does not mean giving your work to others. Ask people to respect the time you’ve set aside, and reward them by giving them your full attention when it’s their turn.