Getting Back on Track

“Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there.” ~~Will Rogers~~

Staying focused seems to be one of my biggest challenges. And, from what I read on a regular basis, it’s clear that it’s not just me! My post yesterday (here) describes a planning tool I use to help stay organized and make good choices about how to use my time… but it doesn’t always help me stay off the web, and focused on more critical (or more lucrative) tasks. I’ve described techniques in the past; Aligned Thinking, and Celestine Prophecy-like focused energy to name two… and when I’m in total “production mode” these work and work well… but what happens when distractions get the better of you? What happens when you’re not feeling motivated and you’d rather spend some time on Zappos, Twitter, or Facebook? I want to know what works for you. How do you maintain focus and stay productive especially when you just don’t feel like it? Do you use a self-reward system? Do you listen to loud music? Do you allow yourself the distraction knowing that you’ll pick back up soon? Is it easy for you to recognize, or admit to yourself, that you’ve lost focus? And, once you’ve realized you’re not focused, how do you get back on track? Thanks in advance for your comments! Let’s help each other out!

Focus: Taking a Targeted Approach

“We have more ability than will power, and it is often an excuse to ourselves that we imagine that things are impossible.” ~~François de la Rochefoucauld~~

I’ve spent a great deal of time over the last few weeks talking with job seekers about the importance of being “targeted” in their search. You need to know who your target audience is and tailor your message to them. You need to be targeted in your networking efforts, targeted in your conversations and you need to target your value proposition, your cover letter, and even your resume. Of course, that got me thinking about myself and my approach to my own business and, frankly, my life in general.

I know that staying focused is critical to my success. I know that there are so many things I want to do, and it is so easy to get distracted. I can spend hours on twitter in the name of organizing my lists believing that will help me be more productive later… and while that is absolutely the truth, it is likely not the best use of my time in the middle of my work day… What if, instead, every conversation, every email, every internet search, every Facebook post, every tweet, (read: every effort) was targeted and focused on one single desired outcome?

What if you took a few minutes each morning to decide what you would like to achieve, and then focus all of your efforts for that day on achieving it? That could be really powerful! First step: figuring out what you want to achieve…

Focus, Rest and Career Planning

“Don't dwell on what went wrong. Instead, focus on what to do next. Spend your energies on moving forward toward finding the answer.” ~~Denis Waitley~~

It’s incredible what a good night’s sleep can do for you!! Well-rested and focused, we can accomplish anything! With even the best laid plans and preparation, as we know, life happens, and it doesn’t always happen according to our plans… so as soon as you are able, pick up where you left off, and get back on track. And that’s what I’m doing today!

One plug for planning, and then I’m off to focus on today’s tasks…

If you are a job seeker in the NYC Metro area, please check out Career Planning on a Napkin! HireEffect is co-hosting (with My ExecutiveCareerCoach.com) a spectacular day of job search strategy sessions, networking tips, stress management tools, and some of the best career advice around. I’ll be speaking about the job search / corporate marketing connection! I hope to see you Thursday!

Where Priority Meets Focus

“I think in terms of the day's resolutions, not the years'.” ~~Henry Moore~~

It’s not always easy to determine priorities. Sometimes you need to make tough decisions about what you’re NOT going to do. I was part of an interesting conversation recently about planning and focus that centered on people being prepared for the wrong thing or planning for something that never ended up happening. These were being presented as negative; as people wasting time or effort. I agreed to an extent at the time, but then I started to think about when it had happened to me. I’ve certainly had times that I prepared for something diligently that never came to pass. I’ve certainly experienced focusing a lot of energy and effort on what turned out to be less important than other things on which I could have focused. But each of those things helps make up who I am, what I know, and how I go into my next action. While I certainly could have been better served doing something else, I don’t believe that time was wasted. I believe there is a reason for everything even when we don’t know or see what that reason is.

On the other hand, when you make those tough decisions, when you examine your goals carefully and plan specific action steps to achieve those goals, and then focus intently on those action steps, you are certain to succeed. When you can focus on the positive and not allow self-doubt or negativity creep in; when you can focus on the priorities and not let yourself get sidetracked; when you can focus on what you’re doing right now and not on what you need to do later, you’ve got a winning combination.

On what will you choose to focus today?

Focus: A Productivity Experiment

“When walking, walk. When eating, eat.” ~~Zen Proverb~~

Have you ever read “The Celestine Prophecy” by James Redfield? There is one part that still stands out in my mind, and I haven’t actually read the book in years! Several of the characters are having a conversation, and each turns and completely focuses all of his or her attention and energy on the person speaking. The person speaking, therefore, feels empowered and engaged, and beyond that, experiences clarity of thought and his or her own sense of enchantment. I know people who do this regularly; people who listen to you so intently and seem so truly interested that you feel like the only person in the room.

Have you ever noticed how good you feel when you’re speaking with someone face-to-face and they are focusing all of their attention on you? Have you ever felt the surge of energy when they are not only looking at you while you’re speaking, but they’re intently listening and actively participating (non-verbally) in all you have to say? It’s an incredible feeling, isn’t it? Have you done the same for them in return; basically giving over your energy for the moment?

What if you can turn that focused energy and empowerment into action? What if you *truly* focused on what you were doing at this moment? What if you poured your energy over the tasks at hand? How much more could you get done? How much more fulfilling could it be? The importance of being “present” is something many discuss when it comes to conversation… I’m wondering how much it can impact my productivity. Here’s my experiment: Today I will focus on one thing at a time. Today I will pour all the energy I would direct to a live person standing in front of me to every task I start. I’ll let you know how it goes tomorrow…

Focus: The Courage to Change

"Focus your energy on greatness." ~~David DeNotaris~~

“The power to change comes from your courage within.” ~~Karen Hinds~~


More from the Women in Business Summit as inspired by Karen Hinds*

Karen, when talking about having the courage to change, shared an interesting perspective. When you’re young, you find that risks are easy to take. Your focus is all on what the benefits are in taking that risk. You think about how good it’s going to feel or how much fun you’re going to have. You don’t think about the consequences. You’re only focused on what you’re going to get; not at all focused on what you might lose…

Then the thing we call sensibility sets in. Call it maturity. Call it “growing up”. We find that we’re only focused on the responsibilities we have, and the consequences we might face if we take that risk. We become almost solely focused on what we might lose. The risk might be the same, but we choose to focus on losing. According to Karen, “It’s all in how you frame it.”

Today, I choose to focus on what I’m going to get. I have the courage to change. I have the will to sustain the change. I have a plan. I’m committed to executing that plan. And, I’m putting that negative focus on ICE! (Reference to yesterday’s post: http://hireeffect.blogspot.com/2011/03/preparation-power-to-change.html)

Affirmations from Karen: I am not going back. I’m moving ahead. Change is good.


*The WIB Summit is organized by Kisha Samuels, the founder of Events of Joy (http://eventsofjoy.com) and you can find more information about WIB here: http://www.wibsummit.com Keynote speaker: Karen Hinds, Founder and CEO of Workplace Success Group, LLC. http://www.workplacesuccess.com

Focus: Acting As If

“He who finds Fortune on his side should go briskly ahead, for she is wont to favor the bold.” ~~Baltasar Gracian~~

Boldness, I’ve been told recently, is actually a rare trait. I was also told that it typically disguises insecurity. That may be true, but even if it is, does it matter? If being bold helps you succeed, then I say, fake it ‘til you make it if you must. If to find your fortune you must focus your thoughts and efforts on “acting as if”, then do so. If you need to perform a little more like a confident, successful business person, then I think that’s great. Practice makes perfect. Isn’t that what we tell our kids? Perform away… nobody knows but you that you’re out of your comfort zone.

“There is no strong performance without a little fanaticism in the performer.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Focus: A Path of Discovery

“To the question of your life you are the answer, and to the problems of your life you are the solution.” ~~Joe Cordare~~

Focusing on the negative in our lives is not useful. We know that. Focusing on the solutions to the challenges in our lives is not always easy, especially when we’re not sure what the solutions are. And, discovering the solutions may be a long process…

I was inspired by someone along that path of discovery yesterday… He’s looking for a new opportunity, but hasn’t had to look in a very long time. Knowing the landscape is a bit different than the last time he was looking, he felt lost. Taking the adage that you can’t know how to get there if you don’t know where you’re going into account, he felt even more confused. What he told me he started doing and the reason for his call to me is more than worth sharing.

Intuitively, he did a sort of self-assessment. He took some quiet time and really thought about the things that he was good at. Then he took some more time and thought about the things that he enjoyed doing. And then he looked at where those two lists “met” on the paper. He took the short list and talked about it with his wife and a few friends, and got some external validation about his new proposed path. Then he reached out to me to help him turn that path into an action plan.

I, of course, asked him if he had read Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi the book I wrote about on Monday 3/7, http://hireeffect.blogspot.com/2011/03/preparation-its-just-necessary.html and he had not. I suggested it to him, and told him about the internal review; a self-assessment to figure out where your passion and abilities intersect. I told him that he should be very proud of himself for taking that step, and told him I would happily help him gain focus around the solutions he had just created for himself.

It was so great to have a conversation with someone who, without complaining about his lot in life, was taking action. I found this inspirational. I hope you do too.

“Not until we are lost do we begin to understand ourselves.” ~Henry David Thoreau

Focus: The Organization Correlation

“Whenever your mind is totally absorbed in whatever activities you are performing, your mind will remain calm and content.” ~~Chin-Ning Chu~~

Being able to focus, actually minimizing or ignoring distractions, and seeing something through to completion, is a valuable ability. Whether you’re researching, writing, or even talking with someone, that ability to be present and be fully engrossed by the task at hand is a skill. Is there a direct correlation between that kind of intentional focus and being organized?

When presenting social media tools to be used for job search, the number one complaint I hear is that there is too much noise online. People state that they get too many emails, there’s too much activity on LinkedIn and it takes too long to read through it all to determine what is valuable. There are too many people on Twitter still telling the world that they’re eating breakfast or walking their dog. And, don’t even get them started on Facebook. They’re so surprised when I show them how to turn off the email that floods their “real” inbox from LinkedIn, how to manage the content that shows up on their homepage, how to create Twitter lists and use an application like Hootsuite** to manage what they see… It’s pretty eye-opening. They CAN actually focus on what’s important to them by simply getting organized.

If I take that a step further and I think about the “clearing the clutter” phase I just went through, I realize that I too can stay more focused when I am organized. There are fewer physical distractions, fewer “other” things to do, when my workspace is clear and things are put away. This may seem like “common sense” to you, but it’s not something I’ve ever really thought about… What is the correlation between organization and focus? Does it work that way for you too?

**To sign up for Hootsuite (FREE!!!!) click here: http://hootsuite.com/p_4061

Focus: Clarity and Direction

"Clarity affords focus." ~~Thomas Leonard ~~

Have you ever noticed that when you’re introduced to something you had never noticed before, that you notice it all the time? (If not, you will now! ) In all seriousness… it happens to me a lot. I’ll not have ever heard of something, and then I’ll hear it referenced five or six times in relatively rapid succession. Or, I’ll never have seen something, and then all of a sudden it’s all around me… I feel like it’s a message. I choose to believe that when this happens, it’s happening for a reason, and it’s something I need to pay attention to. Well, the thing that has been coming up a lot for me lately is “clarity”. I wrote recently about clearing the clutter. A number of people told me I was making room for new things (figuratively speaking, of course… who needs more clutter???) And a surprisingly large number of people told me that I was “clearing” to get ready for “clarity”; to be completely clear on where I was going, why I was going there, and possibly even more importantly, on how I was going to get there. “Clarity”, as a term, was not one I had used often, and was not one I frankly had heard often until recently. Very shortly after my clearing clutter conversations, a colleague was talking to me about how they really needed clarity, and how they needed to understand on which direction they should focus. That felt familiar to me. I’ve been saying for no less than two years that I really needed to understand more about who my target audience was and how to market to them. The very next day a client was asking me about how to get clarity (and used the word!) in their job search and again, figure out who to target as a prospective employer. I found myself coaching around clarity. And I found I was pretty right on… It was kind of ironic... I was right back to my “physician, heal thyself” post. So I did. Thanks in part to my amazing accountability group, and thanks in part to a few other great listeners and advisors, I feel like I really got clarity. I have a renewed focus. I even redrafted my LinkedIn profile! (Check it out here: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferscott) It was quite the accomplishment, and I feel really good about it! Then yesterday I had yet another conversation on getting clear on direction. This time it was with another entrepreneur who was working on choosing a line of business on which to direct her focus first… It could have been me talking. This time I could really give some great, step-by-step tips on getting clarity. And, I am so happy that I chose to focus on that! I am committed to listening to what the Universe is telling me. When these things come up, I will pay attention to them. I know I have lessons to learn, and I am once again excited by the possibilities!

Focus: To multitask, or not to multitask, that is the question.

“Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work at hand. The sun's rays do not burn until brought to a focus.” ~~Alexander Graham Bell~~

I’ve noticed a lot of buzz recently around the topic of multitasking. The thought used to be that if you could multitask, you were ahead of the game. The ability to focus on more than one thing at a time was seen as a great quality. If you could actually work on multiple things simultaneously, you were a tremendous asset. It seems ironic to me that the tide seems to be turning.

In this electronic age where it is so copiously possible to do so many things at one time (tweet while watching TV; comment on social media posts while sitting in a classroom; play on your laptop or tablet while doing just about anything; texting while also sitting and socializing with live people…) the buzz now is about focusing on a single task and not multitasking at all. Research is being done, and to some extent it is actually showing that people who work on one thing at a time complete more than the people who multitask. Studies are suggesting that the level of multitasking does matter, but at a certain point it actually becomes counter-productive. I find it ironic, but not surprising. Isn’t over-multi-tasking synonymous with a lack of focus? It seems to me that I should be able to switch gears quickly, be flexible, and be willing to change direction… but that I should focus on one thing at a time and see it through to fruition. I know that like the sun, when I put all my energy towards one thing, I burn through it with ease.

Attitude

I’m actually sorry that I missed yesterday’s post. And, I’m not apologizing to YOU for my not blogging yesterday (although if you missed it, I *am* sorry…)… I’m actually sorry that I didn’t write because I could really use some focus. Here’s what I’m remembering today… It’s not hard to get focused. It’s hard to get focused on the right things! I made my list, have my Pandora trance station playing softly, and have been 100% focused since 9:30 this morning… and while I did complete a deliverable that I really needed to get out today, I have spent the last hour cleaning out my office closet… and that is NOT what I should be focusing on. So, I decided to blog to set myself straight.

Now, back to your regularly scheduled program!

“Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character.” ~~Albert Einstein ~~

It’s all about the attitude! I know… I say that all the time. But please don’t tell me that you’re tired of hearing it, because I will simply reply that it’s all about your attitude! How about saying, “thanks for the reminder!” And who couldn’t use a friendly reminder about something that will only help you feel better?

I attended a great networking event last night* and found myself surrounded by people who really get that it is all about their attitude. This event is fashioned to be a mix of employed executives, entrepreneurs, and those in transition, or “between successes”. Everyone, the working and the not, is invited because they add value. And, everyone last night added so much value. There were no sales pitches; there were no sob stories; no contacts were held back; there was absolutely no shortage of great advice, gentle reminders, and sincere help. I spoke with someone who has been unemployed for over a year. I spoke with someone who owns his own (and quite successful) business. I spoke with someone who is just staring her own business. I spoke with someone who is a successful VP of HR. And frankly, the only thing different about each of them was what they happened to be passionate about. They were all so positive. They were upbeat and grateful to be included in this well-orchestrated meeting of the minds. So, once again, my hat’s off to networking, and the power of the positive attitude. I have no doubt that every person in that room last night who was in transition made at least 3 connections that will help them land their next role. I have no doubt that each of those connections will be better off themselves for making it so! And I have no doubt that if the attitudes had been different in that room last night, none of that would have happened…


*Thanks to Jay Rovert, Financial Services Representative, MetLife for setting up these renowned dinners!

Goals

Physician, heal thyself.

So, I snapped last night. In a good way, I think. While wallowing a bit in self-doubt (and self-pity) my wonderful husband reminded me that all I really needed was a swift kick in the pants! I write all this great stuff in here! I know WHAT to do… I just actually have to do it. How many times have I said that preparation is critical? And yet… I was feeling unprepared. I know that focus is necessary and I know how to minimize distractions, and yet I was feeling “all over the map.” I have a great attitude (most of the time) and I certainly know how to motivate others… so allowing myself that pity party was just unacceptable! I have a confession to make; I’m human. I make mistakes. I say I’m going to do something, and it doesn’t always get done. I have intentions that don’t always get realized. The best laid plans…Well, so what?!?!? I’m human. Good. That makes me real. That means that I have room to improve! That means that I can grow, and learn, and be excited, and have passion! So, I turned over a new leaf last night. I am actually going to take my own advice. All of it. I will do what I say I will do. I will practice what I preach. No more lip service. I am determined. And, oh yeah… I am focused and efficient! I achieve my goals!

Focus

“Take up one idea. Make that one idea your life - think of it, dream of it, live on that idea. Let the brain, muscles, nerves, every part of your body, be full of that idea, and just leave every other idea alone. This is the way to success; that is way great spiritual giants are produced.” ~~Swami Vivekananda~~

Staying focused amid distractions may be one of the most difficult things to do. At least it is for me. It doesn’t seem to matter if it’s a work task, a household task, a strictly “for fun” activity or a conversation with a friend… Being “present”, staying focused only on what’s in front of me is sometimes really hard! And it’s not just the physical distractions that cause problems for me. Mental distractions are equally as difficult for me to ignore. Not letting my mind wander is one of my biggest challenges. And sometimes I just get frustrated and let little, petty thoughts take over. I guess it stands to reason, or Murphy’s Law, then that arguably the best thing you can do for yourself is focus. Being present, truly focusing on the person or task in front of you might just be the one thing that sets you apart. If you can master that, you can likely master anything! It’s like studying to be a Jedi! Or a Yoga Master! A surgeon needs focus and precision… well so do I! And, that’s my new mission! I’ll repeat my affirmation again today, “I am focused and efficient!” This may become my new mantra! It seems to be working for me!!

Again, I ask you, how do you stay focused? Do you have tricks or tips you’d like to share? I’m all ears!!

Focus - your opinions, please

“Most of the time multitasking is an illusion. You think you are multitasking, but in reality you're actually wasting time switching from one task to another.” ~~Bosco Tjan~~

True or False?

I loved the responses I got on yesterday’s post! Thank you! It seems most share my views on the importance of preparation. I enjoyed reading about how people prepare; research, writing things down, cleaning (really?) and meditation were a few. I also thought it was interesting to learn about when they feel preparation is necessary, versus when they feel “winging it” or “coming from the heart” was more appropriate.

So, today I ask, “How do you stay focused?” When you have 30 things to do and multitasking in ingrained in us from birth, how do you (or DO you) do one thing at a time? What tools do you find helpful? Do you listen to music, do you meditate? Does yoga or breathing exercise help you? How about “to do” lists; are they enough to keep you on track? When you have so much on your mind that you can’t seem to stop thinking, how do you get to sleep? Any tips or tricks you have to share are most appreciated! Thanks again!

Focus

“Success is focusing the full power of all you are on what you have a burning desire to achieve.” ~~Wilfred Peterson~~

The ability to stay focused may very well be the most important ingredient in the recipe for accomplishment. While I believe that all of the tools that I write about are critical to success, staying focused on the tasks at hand (short term) and keeping your eye on the prize (long term) are paramount. And, HARD! There is so much noise out there. And, there’s just so much going on! How many emails did you come in to this morning? How do you manage all of them? If you have separate work and personal email accounts, how tempted are you to check your personal email the second you sit down? And, I know that it’s a challenge for *me* not to get “sucked in” to Twitter or Facebook when I sit down at my computer. Even LinkedIn is in the process of beta testing a tool which will help people weed through the garbage to glean useful and relevant information from their networks. (http://blog.linkedin.com/2010/09/29/linkedin-signal/) But it’s not just the online noise that can sidetrack you. What about your own thoughts? What about the things you said you had to do, and haven’t done yet? What about all of the outside stressors in your life; your household chores, your family commitments, your good news, your bad news, your friends’ news… There is always something, and because of that, it’s imperative that you learn how to stay focused! I am practicing some new tools this year, and hoping to perfect some old ones. Meditation and affirmations are key for me. My mantra right now,” I am focused and efficient. I accomplish my goals.”

What do you do to stay on task?

Focus (and a string of affirmations)

“All that we are is the result of what we have thought.” ~~Buddha~~

I am focused and efficient! I have what it takes to get what I want. I have the capacity and the knowledge to achieve success as I define it. I achieve my goals and accomplish all I set out to do. I am happy, healthy, wealthy and successful. I give all I can. I am surrounded by love and friendship. I focus on the positive.

What are your thoughts today?

Focus (and Determination)

“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education alone will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan "press on" has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.” ~~John Calvin Coolidge~~

Focus, razor sharp determination, that’s the key to cutting through the huge pile that is my “to do” list today. I can, and I will remain focused, on task, and determined to accomplish all that I have set out in front of me. I am prepared. I have a plan. I will execute and I will prevail! And I am just as determined to have fun while I do it!! Today is a great day!

Preparation AND Focus

“Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.” ~~Aesop~~

This quote may best sum up the discussion from last week. Focus and knowing your desired outcome may be the most critical components of actually achieving your goals. I guess I’ve come full circle. Preparation is critical to knowing what your desired outcomes are and actually achieving that focus. Preparation may include research, due diligence, having conversations, networking… and it also may include mental training such as mediation, affirmations and other exercises to help you get and stay focused. Zeroing in on the substance is only really possible when you can successfully “weed out” excessive information.

I am reading Blink by Malcolm Gladwell right now, and he actually talks about this quite extensively. It‘s in a different context, but it’s gotten me thinking… Gladwell gives several examples when having too much information in fact causes incorrect action. He says, “…truly successful decision making relies on a balance between deliberate and instinctive thinking.” Deliberate thinking comes from preparation. Instinctive thinking comes from focus. Put them together, and you have a winning combination.

Preparation

“Plans are only good intentions unless they immediately degenerate into hard work.” ~~Peter F. Drucker~~

I am once again amazed (not surprised, just amazed) by the power of the affirmation and the drive that I have when I am mentally prepared for greatness. Preparation for a great day, a great week, and in conjunction, great success comes from within, and help to realize that power within does exist!

Committed to taking advantage of the enthusiasm I gained after networking with an Action Coach late last week, and once again re-energized beyond my norm, I feel ready to conquer even the largest obstacle (my own tendency towards procrastination!) and know that I will be successful! The power of networking, be it with one colleague or a whole accountability group, really helps me mentally prepare for the greatness I know I can achieve.

Planning for this week actually started last Friday. Over the weekend, instead of stressing about what I still hadn’t done, I wrote down things on my “to do” list as they entered my mind. Last night, I organized my desk a bit, downloaded my email from the weekend and deleted the junk, and prioritized my to do list for today. I went to bed last night repeating to myself, “I am healthy, well-rested, energized and focused. I stay on track and successfully accomplish my tasks.”

As I said, I am again amazed by the power of affirmation… My allergies, which were really starting to get the best of me, seem to have cleared quite a bit, and I have gotten more done already this morning than I expected.

I am jazzed, and I love this feeling! So, THANK YOU to my network, my readers, my family, and specifically, my friend and Action Coach. I’ve always said that every great player needs a coach, and I’m so happy that at least in this instance, I took my own advice!

“Happy people plan actions, they don't plan results.” ~Dennis Wholey