Does this sound like you?
You’ve got a lot of things you want to accomplish.
So, you’re continuously juggling multiple projects and switching between tasks.
As a result, you sometimes end up with a series of semi-completed projects or even abandoned projects and tasks.
It seems to take forever for you to just get things done.
This way of working is common and it often leads to mixed results.
How to focus and complete projects
Here are a few ideas to experiment with:
1. Choose your projects wisely
The first step to having more focus is to make sure that you’re purposefully choosing work that is actually important and has the best shot at reaching your goals.
Ask yourself questions like:
Is this a high-value project?
Is the risk-reward ratio acceptable to me?
Do I have enough information about the project to determine if it’s worth my time?
How much of a time commitment is this project?
Am I excited about or at least interested in the project? Or can I see other potential benefits that will help keep my motivation up over the short and long-term duration of the project?
If you are very selective about which projects you’re working on, you will have fewer projects to deal with and therefore more time to work on them.
Limiting the number of projects automatically creates more focus for the ones you decide to work on.
2. Work on projects sequentially, NOT simultaneously
For most of us, most of the time, it is counter-productive to work on too many simultaneous large projects.
Some people can manage simultaneous projects and be successful with it but it’s rare from what I’ve observed.
If you want quality results, I believe the best method is to work on projects sequentially.
For example, if you want to write a book, create an online course, start publishing videos to Youtube weekly and learn how to invest in real estate, you’ll most likely get better results if you focus on each of those sequentially – not all at the same time.
The time you spend on each project might be just a few weeks. When you truly focus on one project at a time, you can finish things much faster.
It is possible (and often necessary) to work on simultaneous projects but you’ll get better results if you only have one main project and just 1 or 2 other minor projects that don’t take up much of your time/energy.
3. Choose high-impact tasks
The next step is to outline which actions you should take that will bring you the best results the fastest.
If you identify the truly important actions you’ll need to do in order to finish your project, you’ll be approaching the project with efficiency.
Efficient and high-impact tasks create focus.
They direct your energy in a purposeful way.
4. Take focused action
If you’ve chosen a worthwhile project that is worth your time and if you have identified high-impact tasks for the project, then the next step is to take focused action.
Here are a few ideas that create focus:
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Schedule tasks into blocked out periods on your calendar
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Use a timer. Set a goal to work for a pre-determined time period (30, 40 or 50 minutes). Don’t stop working while the timer is running. Don’t turn the timer off for the duration of the work period. Really commit to staying in “work-mode” during your predetermined work period.
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Occasionally work in a cafe from your laptop. If you only have 2 or 3 hours of battery life, that will force you to focus for that period of time.
- Keep reminding yourself of all the positive benefits you will get by completing the project. If you can really see/feel/experience your potential future, this will drive you to focus on getting the project done quickly.
Focus is Freedom
It can be tempting to chase every opportunity presented to us.
We might have good intentions of wanting to get the most out of life.
Or we might feel a financial urgency that causes us to take on too many major projects at the same time.
To sum things up:
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Select your projects carefully.
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Work on them sequentially.
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Schedule high-impact tasks for them.
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Practice “focus habits” to help you stay on track.
Got a question or comment? Just reply below in the comment section.
Keep going for your goals,
Nigel
PS: Want to reach your goals faster? Check out one of the online accountability coaching programs and book a free Coaching Call.