Focus! – Lack of direction, not lack of time, is the problem. We all have twenty-four hour days.

People who claim they don’t have enough time are mistaken – they’re just doing the wrong things with their 24 hours. If you prioritise interruptions, you will squander your potential. Finding focus is the solution. Analysing and Exploring what matters and narrowing your vision to achieve your goals faster. Below are 5 simple questions you should ask yourself today to set your focus right.

1. Is this activity really adding value?

Value is defined as a fair return for something exchanged. In this discussion, value represents a good return on the time invested. Time is our most precious and finite commodity. It’s something we all take for granted and the miss-allocation of time represents some of our biggest regrets as we get older. If you’re investing time into something make sure it adds value.

2. What clutter can be eliminated from my day?

Clutter, noise and superfluous tasks are the adversaries of progress. They trip you up, lead you astray and blur your vision.

3. Is this activity moving me towards my goals for 2017?

Every action big or small in the year should contribute to your journey towards the goals you’ve set for 2017. Anything that veers or pivots from this journey is extraneous and not helping you. Focusing on the movements that matter helps you move faster and in the right direction.

4. Is this activity worth my time?

If you keep on taking on work that adds little value to you or your organisation, it benefits neither of you. Try and rationalise with your boss or colleagues if you feel that a task is clutter. If it truly is, they’ll likely understand it and appreciate your ability to see the bigger picture. Learn to say no when saying no is what’s right.

5. Where do I start?

It’s amazing how often we get in our own way, without knowing it or meaning to. Most of us struggle to focus at times and find ourselves slipping into an unproductive loop of procrastination. A lack of progress can lead to a loss of confidence and self-belief. Once you identify where you need to be and redirect those thoughts, your energy will return. Go for a coffee. Bring a note-pad. Write down your goals and then map out how to get there. Focus requires clarity of mind. Go somewhere you can relax and think clearly.

Once you identify where you need to be and redirect those thoughts, your energy will return. Go for a coffee. Bring a note-pad. Write down your goals and then map out how to get there. Focus requires clarity of mind. Go somewhere you can relax and think clearly.

So 4 quick action points:

• Create a stop-doing list and stick to it.
• Create a list of long term goals that matter and drive towards them.
• Create a list of goals for today that will contribute to that journey.
• Shed the clutter and noise and drive forward.

Distractions, noise and clutter derail you from driving towards your goals. Re-evaluate what matters, identify your goals and drive towards them fueled by a laser focused mindset. There is no more wishing, there is only doing. If it doesn’t contribute to your journey it doesn’t matter.

Time is precious. Focus and use it wisely.

Check our our winning tips for June here