Many people want to know the key to success and upon learning the answer which is FOCUS they are left speechless. Yes, the answer is that simple FOCUS on your goals and not the obstacles.
Focus is so important because it is the gateway to all thinking: perception, memory, learning, reasoning, problem solving, and decision making. Without good focus, all aspects of your ability to think will suffer. Here is a simple reality that cannot be avoided: if you cannot focus effectively, you can’t think effectively.
When you cannot remain focused on your goals, you will lose momentum and fail to make the progress you desire. Therefore, New Year resolutions often fail. Writing goals is one thing but to actively focus on them is another. Each day, week, and month examine your progress toward the specific goals and make any adjustments to challenges that may arise. By adjusting to the challenges, you are problem solving and making the goal bigger than the challenge. This instills confidence whereas not actively focusing on your goals quickly leads to a loss of confidence and motivation. When you lose confidence and motivation in yourself the shift turns to blaming external forces such as work, family, health, or technology and say that is the reason why you have a hard time concentrating on your goals.
Here are a few suggestions to maintain your focus:
· Write SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, Time-based)
· Break down major goals into smaller series of steps. This will make achieving your goals less daunting and build your confidence. Also, by breaking down your major goals into smaller steps there is control and having control is what boosts confidence and your focus.
· Create a vision board either physically or virtually. This will help keep your mind focused on your goal. Also, the subconscious will record the images of your goals making a greater impact on your motivation.
· Have a coach or an accountability partner which is helpful especially if you lack motivation and have a hard time following through. As an entrepreneur, I have personally benefitted from having a coach to help me realize my goals especially when I encountered challenging circumstances.
It takes hard work and consistent effort to achieve major goals and the above strategies are just a few things you can do to maintain your focus and enthusiasm. The harsh reality that most people will fail to achieve their goals. These failures are not due to a lack of information, knowledge, or skill but for a lack of focus. Our world is hectic and the new norm we are living in due to COVID-19 creates an atmosphere where we can easily get distracted. When we set goals, we are energized and confident however this feeling quickly fades away when there is no focus. If you do not want to be one of those people that lose their focus and confidence, I am here to help you realize your goals.
