Focus

We're speeding towards the end of Q1 of 2014.  The end of a quarter is normally a major checkpoint to evaluate if we're on track with our goals and our plans for the year. Mostly in business though - I don't think we're that diligent with our personal goals.

Did you focus enough during the first two months to make sure you are on track?  I know I missed a few areas where my focus should have been sharper.  Good thing I have a few weeks to correct that.

But how do I do it?

We all know the answer to the question: “How do you eat an elephant?”  Yes, one bite at a time.  The concept holds true for achieving our goals and implementing our plans too.

Henry Ford said “Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small pieces”.   Focus on making small, deliberate improvements and the goal will be achieved.   The momentum will build as you make the small changes.  Momentum is good.  Maintain the focus and keep it simple.

Albert Einstein said: “Make everything as simple as possible, but not simpler”.  I know I can focus more on that principle too.  Whether it's personal or business, we tend to lose focus to keep things as simple as possible.

Reflecting on a recent strategy session, I realized how easily we get sucked into the perceived complexity of a situation or task.   We focus on the 'big picture' and the potential, or the hurdles in our way.

We can do better to focus on how to simplify things.  I can do better to identify the small, deliberate improvements we can make to achieve our goals.

There is enormous value in reflecting on what we've done and achieved on a regular basis.  I know now that part of that reflection must include an analysis of how well we did to keep it simple and how well we maintained our focus.

 
Focus, simplify and do the work.