A key part of your role in making things happen is to separate the must-do activities that are vital to realising your vision, from the nice- to-do tasks that serve a useful purpose, but are not critical to your project. As your journey progresses, and you make more contacts and, perhaps, build a team around you, there’s a temptation to get involved in the nice-to-do or pet projects. The reason for this is because they tend to be less hassle and easier to fulfil in comparison to the weightier and more important must-do tasks. What’s more, you may be talked into helping a colleague with a project that is important to them, but will not actually help you on your mission.
The ability to remain focused is a key ingredient for anyone who aspires to achieving more. And you’ll need all your resolve to channel your focus away from the side projects that can deflect your attention from your main purpose.
Be aware of what you are undertaking. Keeping asking yourself: “Is what I am doing really going to take me where I want to be?” This level of awareness allows you to do away with non-value-added activities.
Remember, time is the most precious commodity for anyone who wants to succeed. Focusing all your attention on the must-dos rather than wasting valuable time on the nice-to-dos will help you to do the right things at the right time. Momentum results from focusing on the activities critical to success. Don’t be distracted.
Here’s how to focus on the job at hand:
★ Identifying the activities vital to accomplishing your goals will help you focus
★ Keep a journal or complete a daily todo list to monitor your progress
★ Don’t be distracted by other people’s side projects, even though they may be important to them
★ Avoid wasting time on tasks that maybe enjoyable over ones that are critical
“The key is not to prioritise what’s on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities.” - Stephen Covey