The dictionary describes achievement as the final accomplishment of something noteworthy, after much effort and often in spite of obstacles and discouragements.
The measure of achievement is a subjective thing. I have achieved much in my lifetime not least of which has been raising my kids to be strong, independent adults, as well as a long list of other achievements that I can stand tall and be proud of. But frequently, as we pursue our goals we can get a little lost along the way.
There is one simple reason for that: Focus.
Keeping your eye on the prize and taking the necessary steps to obtain it is the challenge that most of us have to meet on a daily basis. Setting our priorities so we can achieve all we want is critical if we are to succeed in our chosen enterprise.
As we approach the end of the year, which is coming up on us faster than I would like to see, I started to think about what I’ve achieved this year, and what I hope to achieve next year. Every year is an extraordinary journey of achievement because I always have goals and I work hard to reach them but sometimes I don’t get there. Usually because I lacked the focus to stay on task and take the necessary steps to bring it to fruition, or I get distracted and chase ‘the bright shiny things’ and lose momentum. I am an ADD adult, so staying focused can be a challenge at times!
This week, I was delighted to read this article by Peter Bregman of the Harvard Business School who offered some sage advice about achievement and getting focused and I wanted to share it with you.
Now is a good time to pause, prioritize, and focus. Make two lists:
List 1: Your Focus List (the road ahead)
What are you trying to achieve? What makes you happy? What’s important to you? Design your time around those things. Because time is your one limited resource and no matter how hard you try you can’t work 25/8.
List 2: Your Ignore List (the distractions)
To succeed in using your time wisely, you have to ask the equally important but often avoided complementary questions: what are you willing not to achieve? What doesn’t make you happy? What’s not important to you? What gets in the way?
Some people already have the first list. Very few have the second. But given how easily we get distracted and how many distractions we have these days, the second is more important than ever. The leaders who will continue to thrive in the future know the answers to these questions and each time there’s a demand on their attention they ask whether it will further their focus or dilute it.
Which means you shouldn’t create these lists once and then put them in a drawer. These two lists are your map for each day. Review them each morning, along with your calendar, and ask: what’s the plan for today? Where will I spend my time? How will it further my focus? How might I get distracted? Then find the courage to follow through, make choices, and maybe disappoint a few people.
I’m in the process of moving house and expanding my business. Two of the most stressful things you can do. Now more than ever I need focus and these lists are going to be a part of my daily life in the months to come.
What are your goals in business and in life? What would you like to achieve in the next twelve months?
Don’t just think about it…….Be Fearless and do it!
Photo credit: Zack Schnepf
Tweet This Post 
Delicious 
Digg This Post 
Facebook 
Stumble This Post
“Jacqueline Wales says fear is a normal part of our existence, but the challenge is in recognizing that it is a powerful motivating force as well. Through the stories and questions asked in this book, you will find the motivation to overcome your own fears. This is a must-read for anyone who has ever wanted to live a more fulfilled life.”
{ 2 trackbacks }
{ 0 comments… add one now }