Are you focused?

As an entrepreneur, friends and colleagues have asked me at times

how I manage to stay focused on projects not working in a "structured environment". The biggest misconception individuals have is that whether or not you work in a high-rise office building for a major corporation or if you work from your home office, the "structured environment" is one you create and to which you must adhere. It takes self-discipline to remain focused on your goals and in meeting specific deadlines.

Do not think for one moment that just because you are in business for yourself that the same rules of corporate trade do not apply. In fact, it actually takes more focus and discipline to create real success when you do work for yourself. I believe when you have your mind set on a target, you do not afford yourself the luxury of dropping the ball just to lose sight of it. In fact, more often than not, when you have the self-motivation and drive to remain focused, chances are you will achieve your objectives in both your personal and professional lives.

For some people, it is difficult to have this level of concentration. What I have found is  that the end goal itself does not seem to be the problem in these cases, rather the distractions life sometimes throws at them. Individuals become so caught up in what is going on around them, they cannot switch gears back to their central focus. I hate to admit it, I too, have had times in my own life when my mind would get preoccupied or cluttered with external events. But when it has happened, I promptly reminded myself to snap out of it and to "STAY FOCUSED". It is the moment you allow yourself to get pulled into the dragnet of outside influences that you start falling into the, "I can just finish this later" mode. Don't do it! Keep your eye planted on the end goal. The more concentration and commitment you give to your vital efforts, the faster you will be able to achieve your purpose and the quicker you can make positive things start to happen in your life.

It's a no-brainer when it comes to focus: either you do or you don't.  Many of you can walk and chew gum at the same time - congratulations… but it is no different than managing your home, your family, your friends and your career. Life takes focus. While you are addressing a range of responsibilities, you must simultaneously be able to disengage each from one another so you can focus and prioritize the most important ones. Whatever you do, be sure to mentally cross off any petty or nonessential items from your to-do list. Once you filter your priorities, you can then refocus your mind on your goal.

I could go on and on about the benefits of self-discipline, focus and commitment, but I think you already know who you are and what it is you need to do to realize your dreams in life. Get focused and you may just find that you can complete any task with both comfort and ease.

Joan Marie Ambrose -- Author, Creative Writer, Motivational Speaker

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