If you've been feeling a bit scattered, overwhelmed, or just too busy you may have temporarily lost sight of what's most important for you right now. You can use the following questions as a guide to help you move forward when you need to focus on what matters.
What happened to your focus?
It's much harder to focus when you're caught up in a mode of reacting to everything that's coming at you. Especially if you're feeling overwhelmed, or have become addicted to constant stimuli and a fast pace, it can be challenging to think strategically. That is, until you shift your approach.
You want to intentionally slow down so you can decide what to work on to make the most effective use of your time (which allows you to create results faster!). For those times when you need to focus on top priorities but can't seem to stop tackling little things, the questions below will help you get back on track.
You can liken this to jumping in the car and driving fast without knowing exactly where you're going... To get there faster, you need to check your road map periodically. Simple, right?
Finding it hard to focus on priorities? Use this short guide to get back on track fast!
Take a moment to shift your thought process.
When you need to focus on what matters, but it's too difficult, take a quick breather. It really helps to separate yourself from the chaos by stepping away for a few minutes or blocking out the sights and sounds around you. (If you're feeling really time-crunched, try limiting this strategy session to 10 minutes so you stay in control of the clock.)
Share with a friend!
Decide what gets your focus.
Answer one or a few of these questions to help you move forward on what's most important now:
- If I could only complete only one of these tasks today given everything else I have to do, which is the best choice? (Optional: expand this to 3 tasks.)
- What do I really want to see happen this week? What can I accomplish today to create it?
- Of all the things I'm expecting of myself right now: Which are truly top priority to ME? Which have I been avoiding and why? Which can I let go of?
- What's the next step that will help me achieve [important Goal]?
- If this [problem or opportunity] can wait until another time, when should I revisit it? (This moves it off your plate for right now. Set a reminder instead of relying on memory.)
- Which of these options will have the biggest positive impact over the next few months?
- What's the best use of my time right now?
Try it Now.
Have the questions handy and get comfortable. Sit quietly for a few moments, allowing yourself to be calm. Ponder one or two of the questions that apply to your specific scenario.
You'll be amazed that when you fully engage in this process as if you have all the time in the world, it works incredibly quickly! Any time you feel challenged by what to focus on next, if the "shoulds" are creeping in and causing confusion, or you need a decision about which actions to take now, this exercise will help you gain clarity and know exactly what to do next so you can focus on what matters now.
Want some help sifting through priorities and creating a clear 90-day plan that lights you up?
I can help! Try a strategy session.
Here's to your success,
