Developing an Intense Focus

We all have a tendency to become side tracked.

We may want to complete an important task, yet many distractions poke and prod us away from our goals.

How can we keep our focus on the task as hand?

Distractions may be hard to ignore, especially when it’s a chatty coworker, a ringing phone, a demanding spouse, or many other things.

Thankfully, there are some tried and true strategies we can use to put the distractions on hold and place an intense focus on our task.

Try these techniques to develop an intense focus:

1. Remove distractions. You can’t focus if you’re constantly checking your email, Facebook, or other time-stealers!

You’ll get more done if you allow your mind to get in the groove with some peace and quiet.

Turn off your email, close your web browsers, shut off your phone off or forward it to voicemail, and put on headphones to avoid loud noises.

You’ll be glad you did!

2. Remain committed. You know that you have something you should finish, but are you one hundred percent committed to seeing it through to completion?

This is where you need to be honest with yourself.

If you’re not fully committed to your task, you’re more likely to allow distractions to overtake your mind.

More often than not, you’ll use distractions to create excuses and exceptions that try to justify your lack of focus.

If you are committed, it will be easier to ignore distractions and keep your focus.

This is something only you can decide.

3. Set a time limit. Even if the task itself doesn’t have a time limit, assign one anyway.

If you have a deadline, you’ll be more apt to complete your task in a timely manner. 

Rather than giving in to the surrounding distractions, you’ll be competing against the clock to get things done on time.

4. Take frequent breaks. This may sound contradictory, but it actually makes a world of difference for the workaholic.

If we work too long at one time, not only do we become physically tired, but our minds tire as well.

This makes us more susceptible to distractions and shatters our concentration.

Work intently for an hour and then allow yourself a 10-minute break.

When you return from the break, you’ll be more focused, your mind will be clearer, and you’ll be more likely to work for another hour without losing focus.

This strategy allows you to get more work done in a shorter time.

5. Use a list. Lists are wonderful tools that help you accomplish your work quicker and easier.

Before beginning, write down everything you need to accomplish and then cross out each task as you complete it. 

The process of crossing things off your list is a great motivator to keep you working without distractions, plus it helps to build the momentum to get everything done.

6. Reward yourself for a job well done. When you’re able to stay focused on an important task, reward yourself!

Just keep thinking about the big picture and your reward once you’re finished with the task at hand.

This will keep you on target and you’ll finish as quickly as you possibly can.

Everyone loves a treat for a job well done!

6. Remember, you’re human, too. Losing your focus is easy in an existence that’s filled with daily distractions and annoyances.

However, you’ll find that you can keep an intense focus on something if you practice these techniques.

Make them a habit and enjoy your rewards!

How easy is it for you to focus on something you are doing?

What are your common distractions?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

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I dare to focus only on the job at hand.

I allow myself the luxury of total concentration.

When I tune out distractions and live fully in the moment, I find that my tasks are completed quicker and with a higher quality of work, bringing me more success and leaving me with more time for other things.

To this end, I do everything possible to prevent distractions.

If office noise is bothering me, I put on headphones to muffle it or turn on music to drown it out.

I let my co-workers know what time I need to focus and when they can come to me for questions.

I avoid distractions by forwarding calls to voicemail and I check my email during certain hours, only.

I plan my work and work my plan.

Each day I take the time to plan the steps of each project and then I stick to my schedule.

I put easy tasks first so I can develop my focus quickly and build momentum as I work through the project.

Lastly, I organize my surroundings so there is no interruption in my workflow if I have to find necessary items or papers.

I accept that there are times when distractions are necessary.

When this happens, I take care of the situation promptly and get right back to my task.

As before, I tackle an easy item first to refocus and rebuild momentum.

Today, I challenge myself to focus with total concentration on one job at a time, leaving the multi-tasking to those who haven’t discovered that there is a better way.

How do you actively tune out distractions so you can focus on the job at hand?

How can you organize your office space to reduce distractions?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

Also, as your gift for taking this to heart – and this is profoundly important… to us ALL – go to UnitingPlanetEarth.com/ignition/ and do the Uniting Planet Earth 7-Day Quick-Start Ignition Program… and Allow it to Transform Your Life.

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Being balanced and fulfilled is accomplished by handling things in moderation.

I pursue everything in my life with passion; however, I keep myself from overdoing it.

I know that too much focus in one area distracts me from other areas.

I strive to maintain a balance so I can fulfill my desires in every aspect of my life.

I recognize that keeping everything in moderation brings good consequences.

I can control my actions so I can enjoy these positive results every day.

Take eating, for example. I love food! I enjoy trying new foods and savoring the unique flavors.

I also know that if I overeat, it interferes with my desires for a healthy, fit body.

So I eat in moderation for fulfillment in both areas.

My passion for my work brings me many rewards.

But I also recognize that leaving work behind at the end of each workday lets me pursue my passions in my personal life: hobbies, family, and leisure activities.

So I work in moderation to allow time for all.

I thoroughly enjoy being with the love of my life!

I also realize that saying ‘see you soon’ for part of the day builds anticipation when we meet again.

Moderation keeps excitement in our relationship so our time together is even more fulfilling.

My time with my children is joyful.

However, we give each other the freedom and support to pursue our own goals with focus and passion, knowing that fulfillment in every area makes our time together a whole lot more fun.

Today, my plan is to schedule time for work, family, and leisure activities, giving equal importance to each.

This way I can thoroughly enjoy myself and end the day with a great feeling of accomplishment and fulfillment.

How are you giving equal importance to your leisure time each day?

Which area of your life could use more focus so you can regain balance?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

Also, as your gift for taking this to heart – and this is profoundly important… to us ALL – go to UnitingPlanetEarth.com/ignition/ and do the Uniting Planet Earth 7-Day Quick-Start Ignition Program… and Allow it to Transform Your Life.

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Chipping away at a big task keeps me focused and quickly builds momentum.

When I have a large project to complete, or a big goal to achieve, I divide it into a series of small tasks.

Each task is easily accomplished, so I can dive right in.

Completing these mini goals keeps me going and drives me forward to success.

This method sets me up for success every time.

Once I make my plan and get started, I know without a doubt that I can succeed.

I can keep my focus throughout the project, moving easily from one small task onto the next.

Often, the hardest part of any big project is getting started.

The end can seem so far away when I’m looking at the project from the outset!

So I schedule the quickest, easiest tasks for the beginning.

This allows me to get started without delay.

As I complete more and more of these small tasks, I feel the force of my momentum pushing me forward to the next ones.

This energy even helps me overcome obstacles in my path so I can continue the project until it is complete!

It’s like chopping down a tree.

No matter how large the tree may be, I know I can cut it down by chipping away at it bit by bit.

My small tasks are like the little chips of the tree.

Each little chip only requires a small action, yet they all add up to success.

Today, my plan is to follow this strategy for all my projects so I can chip my way to success!

How can you divide your next project into easily achievable tasks?

What’s the easiest task you can put at the beginning so you can get started right away?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

Also, as your gift for taking this to heart – and this is profoundly important… to us ALL – go to UnitingPlanetEarth.com/ignition/ and do the Uniting Planet Earth 7-Day Quick-Start Ignition Program… and Allow it to Transform Your Life.

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I must focus on the positive, constant things in my life.

I have so many beautiful reasons to be happy that I could never waste my time looking at the negative.

My eyes are fixed on the things that add life to me and my mind is anchored on valuable thoughts.

There is a song of thanksgiving on my lips.

I release myself from concerned thoughts of things beyond my control.

Temporary situations cannot consume me because I know they will not last.

Instead, I focus on my blessings.

My family is the rock under my feet that will never be removed.

They are the most constant force in my life.

Their love is unwavering.

I know I am loved regardless of whether I fail or succeed.

When I think of this, I am filled with joy.

Whenever I feel negativity creeping close to me, I speak to my heart.

I remind myself of all the things I have going for me, and the things I look forward to achieving in the future.

Regardless of how bad or good yesterday was, today the sun will rise.

Every morning, the sun rises as a reminder from heaven of the gifts we are given each and every day.

When I look at the sun, I am reminded that life happens one day at a time.

This thought prompts me to release my inhibitions and allows me to focus on the things that matter.

What are the constant things in your life?

What does the daily process of the sunrise symbolize to you?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

Also, as your gift for taking this to heart – and this is profoundly important… to us ALL – go to UnitingPlanetEarth.com/ignition/ and do the Uniting Planet Earth 7-Day Quick-Start Ignition Program… and Allow it to Transform Your Life.

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Get More Out of Life: Five Tips to Focus on You

Do you feel like something is missing in your life?

Learning to focus on you, instead of others, may be the key you’ve been seeking!

If you find that you’re comparing yourself to others and coming up short, it’s time to stop that destructive habit.

Comparisons get you nowhere.

Rather than leading to positive improvements, they only cause you pain and discontent.

A better choice is to focus on your own personal needs and wants.

You’re a unique individual who requires a personal approach!

This helps you boost your self-image because you’re focused on improving yourself and not trying to beat someone else in some uncharted race.

Learning to focus on you rather than everyone else around you can be a difficult task.

Too often, we’re so used to focusing on our families and friends that we don’t even know how to begin the process of focusing on our own choices and decisions that determine our lives.

Follow these five tips to help you focus on fully enjoying your life:

1. Devote one hour a day to “me time.”

During this time, focus completely on yourself and the things you need or desire to feel strong, lovable and important.

Reflect on what’s important to you. Dream big dreams and figure out small steps you can take to achieve them.

Your  “me-time” can be anything you like it to be: take a relaxing bubble bath, go for a walk, take a nap, get a manicure, read a novel, or do something else.

Anything that brings you pleasure simply for the sake of pleasure qualifies as me-time.

2. Take care of your own physical, spiritual and health needs.

Relying on someone else to meet your needs only leads to dependence and resentment.

Don’t wait for someone else to do these things for you. 

You have the power within you to meet your own needs and the only way you can be truly whole is to do just that.

3. Feed you mind and body good healthy fuels.

You cannot expect your mind and body to function at their best if you don’t provide them with the fuels they need to work at full capacity.

Feed your body good foods: fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.

Drink plenty of water to keep your body fully hydrated.

Feed your mind by reading informative, well-written books, newspapers, and magazines.

Choose recreational reading that builds your mind and spirit.

Limit your TV watching and spend your time pursuing things that stimulate your thinking instead.

Play board games rather than video games. Listen to music designed to stimulate your brain waves with binary beats.

4. Spend time each day doing something you love. No matter what your hobby is, it’s healthy to indulge in a creative pastime.

Gardening, painting, woodcarving and pottery are all hobbies that encourage your creativity while you use your hands to create something beautiful.

5. Start a gratitude journal. Begin and end each day by listing five unique things you’re grateful for in your life.

Before long, you’ll find that you spend more of your time dwelling on all the good things you have in the world rather than negative obstacles you might face. 

Focusing on you helps you take the best possible care of yourself.

It allows you to replenish your batteries and regain your strength so you can be fully present and engaged in the rest of your day.

Use these tips to start changing your focus today, and have many happy tomorrows!

What distractions do you have in life?

How can you move away from them and keep your focus on what’s important?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

Also, as your gift for taking this to heart – and this is profoundly important… to us ALL – go to UnitingPlanetEarth.com/ignition/ and do the Uniting Planet Earth 7-Day Quick-Start Ignition Program… and Allow it to Transform Your Life.

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I avoid focusing on the trees so I don’t lose sight of the lush, beautiful forest before me.

I have a panoramic view of life.

My eyes focus on the beauty of the whole.

In order to see the bigger picture, I take a step back from where I am.

When I want to see something different, I simply reposition myself.

When I look objectively from far away, I see that there is a purpose larger than me.

Stepping back helps me appreciate life as a whole.

Like a forest, life is a combination of experiences.

Just as some trees are more majestic than others, so are my experiences.

I take the good with the bad and end up with a beautiful result.

I value each tree as a part of a whole.

There is something I can get from each tree, but I look beyond it to catch a glimpse of something greater.

If I fix my eyes on the individual trees, I miss out on the majesty of the forest.

One tree by itself is amazing as it is, but it is no comparison to a lush forest.

I do not settle for a single tree when there is a beautiful forest that I deserve to enjoy.

I stay away from having a narrow view.

Each day I take action to enlarge my vision. I look for things that may be hidden from me.

My ambitions are the binoculars that help me bring the larger image into focus.

When I look through the eyes of ambition, my dreams feel close to me.

The forest has much more to offer than a single tree.

I avoid focusing on the trees because there are experiences beyond my imagination awaiting me in the forest.

What do you need to do to reposition yourself and have a better view?

When was the last time you took a step back to look at your life objectively?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

Also, as your gift for taking this to heart – and this is profoundly important… to us ALL – go to UnitingPlanetEarth.com/ignition/ and do the Uniting Planet Earth 7-Day Quick-Start Ignition Program… and Allow it to Transform Your Life.

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Five Ways to Focus and Get Back on Task

Each day, there are dozens of tasks that are calling your name, both at work and in your personal life.

With life being so busy it’s easy to lose focus on the big picture.

How many times have you gone to bed wondering what you actually accomplished that day?

Or have you ever felt like your day was somehow wasted?

To avoid these feelings, you can try a few different methods to get yourself back on track.

Rather than bemoaning your wasted time, resolve to regain your focus and get back on task.

Confucius Says…

There’s a famous quote about focus by the great philosopher Confucius: “If you chase two rabbits, you catch none.”

True, there might be people who are able to multitask and do it relatively well; but more often than not, people who split their attention between two different tasks have a more difficult time completing both tasks well.

Here are five ways to regain your focus and get back on task:

1. Eliminate the distractions.

Get rid of the barriers that are causing you to avoid getting things done – it’s that simple!

Forget about checking email every five minutes; those emails will still be there when you complete your task.

Make a list of distractions and eliminate!

Turn off the phone and let the voice mail take over.

Close the blinds in your office.

Turn off the music if you find yourself singing more than working.

Simply closing the door to your office can give you more privacy and more focus.

2. Prioritize your work.

Rather than working on projects simultaneously, take one thing at a time, focus on it, and worry about all the other projects later.

Ultimately, you’ll get a lot more done and you’ll finish it more quickly.

You’ll also be recognized by the high quality that you deliver when you’re free from distractions.

Find a way to prioritize that works best for you.

Choose either the project that has the earliest deadline or the one with the least components so you can finish it quickly and get it out of the way.

There are pros and cons to both systems so tackle it whichever way works for you.

3. Tell everyone to respect your time.

There are many nice and respectful ways to tell people to back off.

If you’re finding yourself in a time crunch and can’t seem to get away from others, consider letting them know that you need time to finish some important tasks.

There are a lot of different ways to do it – just make sure you do!

Set times that you’ll accept phone calls and even visitors.

Tell them to contact you by email and then set a regular time to check your email.

Set business hours during which people can expect you to return their calls or emails.

4. Set some limitations with your internet access.

The internet is wonderful but it can be a huge time waster, especially if you work at a computer all day long.

Regain your focus with some self-imposed rules.

First, close all those windows you’re not using.

Avoid MySpace or Facebook, quit searching on eBay, and leave messenger alone!

Establish certain times each day to use these fun things and just focus on what you have to do. You’ll quickly accomplish more!

5. Have confidence in your abilities.

This may seem like a really small thing when it comes to focusing and getting back on task, but believing that you can get everything done that you set out to do puts you in a positive frame of mind and you’ll be less distracted with stress and worry.

Have confidence that you can complete each task with ease and believe in your ability to deliver.

If you’ll just have the confidence, you’re sure to have the focus!

Now that you’ve been introduced to five ways to focus and get back on task, it’s up to you to take action and learn how to focus your thoughts.

If you’ve got to get stuff done, follow these steps so you can put yourself – and your goals – first!

What are you focused on right now?

How important is having focus in your life?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

Also, as your gift for taking this to heart – and this is profoundly important… to us ALL – go to UnitingPlanetEarth.com/ignition/ and do the Uniting Planet Earth 7-Day Quick-Start Ignition Program… and Allow it to Transform Your Life.

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When I am focused, I am unstoppable.

When I am focused, I am like an unstoppable machine on a mission to succeed.

I charge ahead with my goals clearly in view. I do whatever needs to be done in order to complete my tasks with excellence.

I rid myself from distractions by placing myself in situations where I know I am able to stay on task.

I make good use of my time by keeping track of my schedule.

In order to avoid last minute emergencies that may take my focus away from my work, I make detailed plans ahead of time.

Planning ahead helps me to manage my time wisely and feel better prepared for emergencies.

When I set goals, I stick to them. I am a force to be reckoned with when my I keep my goals in sight.

Ideas flow from me like water from a fountain.

When I get in my zone, I am creative and inspiring.

I exceed the expectations of all those around me.

I am proud of the quality of work I complete when I devote my full attention to it.

I place myself at an advantage by preparing my body, mind, and soul for success.

I eat healthy foods, exercise, meditate, and read so I can concentrate effectively.

I understand that, in order to be able to focus, my body has to be filled with the right fuel.

Today, the passion I have for my work keeps me focused on my goals. The quality of my work is unparalleled.

I am unstoppable because I choose to focus all of my attention on the task at hand.

How can you eliminate distractions?

How can you set yourself up for success today?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

Also, as your gift for taking this to heart – and this is profoundly important… to us ALL – go to UnitingPlanetEarth.com/ignition/ and do the Uniting Planet Earth 7-Day Quick-Start Ignition Program… and Allow it to Transform Your Life.

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How to Stay Focused on Losing Weight

What is the hardest thing you have ever tried to do? If you ask 100 people from all walks of life, I’d bet the majority would mention losing weight.

Losing weight can be challenging because we all want to shed the extra pounds just in time for Sally’s wedding or next weekend’s beach trip.

Even though it took time to put on the weight, somehow we want it to magically disappear instantly. The reality is that losing weight takes time for everyone. You’re not alone!

Unfortunately, weight doesn’t just fall off our bodies, and that’s why most of us find it difficult to stay focused on our weight loss goals. Fortunately, there’s a solution and it all begins with a positive mindset.

Weight Loss Affirmations and You

The problem that many of us have is that when the weight doesn’t disappear right away, we get frustrated or discouraged, and then we easily give into temptation.

We have all had those, “Nothing’s ever going to work so I might as well just eat” thoughts that set us back when we are just getting started in the weight loss process.

Instead of allowing these thoughts to plant a seed in your mind, you can use affirmations to positively react to negative thoughts. Doing so will also serve as a reminder of your goal.

Weight loss affirmations can help you shed pounds by encouraging you to stay focused and motivated, even in times of struggle and disappointment.

Defeating Self-Defeating Thoughts

We all want to think we have the self-control needed to lose weight. However, when the weight loss takes more work or time than we expected it’s easy to get discouraged and give in.

The problem is that when we get frustrated or impatient, we lose sight of why we initially started on the journey. If you decide to give up or are tempted by a forbidden food, you can pull up your list of affirmations and use them to combat the self-defeating thoughts and attitudes.

When you are about to quit and get that bucket of ice cream, you can tell yourself, for example, “If I stumble, it’s okay! I have already made the conscious decision that I will not revert to old habits.”  When you say this aloud, you are taking power back from the negative thoughts and replacing them with positive ones.

Taking back this power is a key step in re-establishing control over your negative actions. Besides, it’s okay to stumble along the way. Overcoming obstacles only makes your victory even sweeter!

When you use weight loss affirmations, you will suddenly realize the power of words.

Affirmations help you replace negative thoughts and actions so you can combat the cravings and deal with frustrations and pain directly without resorting to food.

The greatest thing about affirmations is that they can be used any time of the day or night. After all, they will become embedded into your subconscious!

The more you use them, the more your behavior and decisions will change, and the more power you will have over self-defeating thoughts.

Why do some people consider losing weight difficult?

How can affirmations help you lose weight?

Talk about that in the Personal Growth Cafe Community!

Also, as your gift for taking this to heart – and this is profoundly important… to us ALL – go to UnitingPlanetEarth.com/ignition/ and do the Uniting Planet Earth 7-Day Quick-Start Ignition Program… and Allow it to Transform Your Life.

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