Focus – The Breakdown of Getting Things Done
Have you ever noticed yourself being distracted by other things than the intended task you were trying to finish? Do you feel as though you create goals, but somehow lose track of what you were doing? Are there times when you feel your task or commitment is so overwhelming that it makes you feel unmotivated to start or finish the task or commitment? These moments can happen to anyone as life pulls your focus from one thing to another at break-neck speed. It’s a skill to be able to focus on long term commitments or tasks over a period of time.
If you are having trouble maintaining focus on what you want to achieve and would like direction on how to stay focused this article may be of help. The following is a step by step breakdown on how to stay focused on your goals and any commitments you make in your daily life.
Realistic Expectations
The first step of staying focused is to be realistic of your tasks and the circumstances you are in. Consider what your plan of action will be in a reasonable manner rather than setting yourself up with unattainable goals. An example of an unrealistic goal can be in the form of: expecting to finish a big project in an hour. Would you be able to stay on task with distractions nearby and attempt to engage in the activity without making mistakes or needing additional time? A realistic goal or expectation is what you are looking to achieve and to get there you need a plan of action. Envision a reasonable time or day to focus on your plan, be flexible to make room for necessary changes, and have patience with yourself in what you are attempting to achieve.
Plan the Work Ahead
The second step of getting focused is to create a timeline or checklist of tasks to reach your goal. You should consider the length of time that is necessary for what you want to achieve and the means to achieve it. Space out your workload into reasonable tasks that will make it easierto focus on. Rather than attempting to do everything all at once you lay out the plan ahead to focus on segments of what you are working towards. An example of this is setting thirty to forty-five minutes on certain days with the intent to focus on that task at hand. Setting aside time to plan out what you need to do to reach your goal could aid you in keeping track as well as staying focused on what you are trying to achieve.
Cut the Distractions and Consider Yourself
The third step of staying focused is to consider possible obstacles or other commitments that could derail you. An easy one to consider is technology being a hindrance (e.g. cell phone, social media, internet, and video games). Now expand this concept to your daily life activities that require your attention: eating, hygiene, chores, work, school, social engagement and relaxation. This is not to say you must cut these out, quite the contrary, it is to set your schedule around these necessary things, yes even around relaxation. By identifying distractions and necessary commitments you can work your plan around your day to focus on your goals.
Create the Schedule
The final step to staying focused is to make a schedule so as to set aside time when you have no other obligations and can focus on your task. Have realistic expectations so you can segment your workload into manageable timed portions that will help you stay focused on the task or goal you set for yourself. Keep in mind any prior commitments you have or possible obstacles that could derail your progress. For example you can schedule thirty minutes of your time after lunch, after work, or before bed making sure there are no other commitments or distractions. Remember, if you need to modify your schedule because something did not work well that does not mean you have failed to reach your goals. You are attempting to try something new to stay focused on your tasks at an increased frequency than you have been.
As you are attempting to increase your focus on tasks there will be moments where it does not work out the way you have intended it to be. Take these moments as learning opportunities to better understand what works for you. Understanding what is realistic for you will be beneficial in creating reasonable times for your own goals. Creating your own plan will aid you in your time management. Be mindful of your commitments and distractions so you can notice scheduling conflicts ahead of time. Then combine the three steps above to help you be able to plan your days ahead with confidence to stay focused on your goals.
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