Lack of focus can interfere with you figuring out your priorities. Oftentimes we feed our distractions instead of our focus. Feeding your distractions is an emotional straight jacket. Devote your time and focus to what’s really important and to the activities that matters the most.
The reality is that there is only one person responsible for reaching your goals, results and destiny.That person is YOU! When we are laser focused we tend to get things done. Focus on one thing a time until you are successful, then move to what’s next on your priority list. Here are a few benefits and techniques that will teach you how to prioritize and stay focused on your goals.
Benefits of Establishing Priorities
1. Simplify decision making: Smart choices seem automatic when you can identify which tasks are urgent and where your efforts will have the most impact. You’ll act deliberately instead of drifting from one dilemma to the next.
2. Accomplish more: Distinguish between doing more and achieving more. Know your purpose and allocate your resources accordingly. Prioritizing enables you to work more productively and divide your time more effectively.
3. Reduce stress: Imagine your peace of mind when you stop feeling like you have too little time and too much to do. Accept your limits and take satisfaction in doing your best. Your confidence will keep growing as you enjoy the results of your new sense of direction.
Techniques for Establishing Priorities
1. Create daily rituals: Keep your commitments on the front burner by carving out a specific time for them each day. Designate the first hour in the morning and an hour before bed for building your mind, body in soul. When you are consistent with self care and personal development habits other things seem to fall into place. Consistency has to do with focus. The more consistent you are the focused and successful you will become.
2. Start off strong: Create momentum that will drive you forward all day long. you can score a quick win in your wellness when you go for a morning run or meditate while it’s still quiet.
3. Disconnect for a while: Limit the time you spend online, making calls, and watching TV. Rediscover face-to-face communications and the beauty of nature.
4. Take breaks:. Downtime restores your ability to concentrate.
5. Organize your day:. Plan your time with your priorities in mind. You’ll be less likely to become sidetracked by external pressures and distractions.
6. Shorten your to-do list:. Weed out the nonessential items. Decide which tasks require excellence and which can be considered good enough if you complete them on time. For example, do you really have to iron the sheets after they have been washed and dried? Maybe you can skip ironing them. For the record I use to iron my sheets! Not any more.
7. Estimate value: If you tend to regard everything as being equally important, look closer. Think of your life as a business and ask yourself how profitable each activity is. Making a profit is not always monetary. Spending time with family and friends is definitely a way to increase your profit margin.
8. Use comparisons: Weighing one option against another clarifies their advantages and disadvantages. Going back to school or starting a new business may both sound appealing, but you’ll have to figure out which one is more worthwhile. Then again, maybe you can tackle both if you figure out which to do first.
9. Ask for help: We all accomplish more working together. Practice delegating in your business, office and at home. Divide up complex projects so everyone can draw on their individual strengths.
10. Map it out: Drawing yourself a picture may help in situations where your priorities are still unclear. Maybe you’ll come away with a fresh perspective. Create a chart or sketch out a plan to help you prioritize.
11. Write it down. Whether you rely on modern technology or a paper journal, putting your priorities into writing will help you stay on track. You’ll be able to monitor your progress and spot any obstacles you need to overcome. It will also make you more accountable.
Direct your energy and attention to activities that align with your goals. Prioritization is a skill that will help you find more time for the things you love. Enjoy a more meaningful life, starting today, by setting priorities! Once your priorities are set make a commitment with yourself to be consistent, discipline, determined and most importantly have a little patience as each goal you focus on become a reality.
