Summer is filled with many welcome distractions and there are hundreds of reasons why it may be challenging to stay focused on your goals. But we can’t blame it all on the season. Our disposition to be a people pleaser or our inability to say “no” to things play a big part. Even still, staying focused on your goals isn’t impossible.
Here are three things you can start doing right now that will make an immediate impact and help you stay focused.
1. Say No More Often
We’ve all been there. On our way to an event but not quite sure why we’re going. Or we’ve agreed to help the neighbor pack boxes for her big move. Once you realize that you need to stay focused on the things that suit your needs in the moment and give yourself permission to decline plans, you’ll feel like a weight has been lifted off your shoulders.
Overbooking yourself usually leaves you feeling tired and resentful. But worst of all, it means you’ve let other people’s plans become more important than your own. Of course there’s a level of compromise or making an effort to attend special events you’d prefer to skip, but once you start saying no you’ll have more time to focus on what truly matters to you.
2. Prioritize
When you learn to do only what is essential, you’ll never have the feeling of being busy but not productive again. In his book, Essentialism, Greg McKeown explains how to apply the philosophy of essentialism. In short, it’s not about getting everything done, but about getting the right things done. It’s about doing only what really needs to be done and eliminating all other responsibilities. Mastery of essentialism will lead to having more time on your hands and being more productive. I’d say it’s worth a read!
3. Meditate
You don’t need to take this literally if sitting cross-legged in a quite space and turning inward doesn’t sound like your thing. You can meditate while you’re taking a walk outside, running on the treadmill, swimming laps or knitting a scarf. The important thing here is that you dedicate some time everyday to thinking about your goals. There’s so much noise in our everyday lives. Taking time to center yourself and recalibrate is critical to remaining focused and energized about achieving all you’ve set your mind to. Are you more visual? Try creating a vision board to serve as a daily reminder of your goals and why they matter!
