How to Focus Daily
It’s Simpler Than You Think
Why do we struggle to focus? In many ways it’s because of the constant distractions that bombard us every day (texts, posts, notifications, emails, news, etc.). But these are nothing more than requests (or demands, rather) for our attention, and these things will never go away. Instead, the real reason we have a hard time focusing is, simply put, we forget!
We are forgetful beings. We are drawn toward what is immediately in front of us and quickly forget the importance and urgency of our commitments and priorities.
The key to focusing is to REMEMBER what is most important. To prevent ourselves from being distracted and losing focus, we must REMEMBER our commitments, our priorities, our values. If we forget daily, we must remember daily. If we forget weekly, we must remember weekly. This is why many cultures and traditions create rhythms and cadences in their lives (daily and weekly), to remember what is primary by focusing their attention amidst distractions.
So, HOW do we remember and focus DAILY?
- Read Your Goals/Priorities Daily – Read through your WRITTEN goals and priorities every day. Visibility is crucial. I recommend doing this in the morning to start your day off with the right mindset of what is most important when planning your day.
- Review Your WHY(s) – Read and think through WHY you are committed to your goals and priorities. When you connect with your WHY, your WHAT becomes much easier and more clear.
- Anticipate Obstacles – Look at your schedule/agenda for your day and imagine (or even write) the distractions that may deter you from your priorities that day (inopportune emails, excessive notifications, unimportant but urgent requests, important not urgent tasks).
Develop and build these 3 habits DAILY so that you don’t have to rely on your own willpower. Willpower alone can quickly change with feelings and emotions. Rather, write/schedule/plan your rhythms and do whatever possible to maintain these and commit to them. Over time, you will build on these habits, rituals, and discipline.
Don’t beat yourself up if you get off track or slip back into old habits. Simply start again. Read your goals, review your why, and anticipate obstacles.
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
If you’re going to have success in your life, you need to find focus in your day.
Focus Daily, my friends!