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…

Motivation

“If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put foundations under them.” ~~Henry David Thoreau ~~

I was totally inspired yesterday by, yes, another networking contact. I love how true networking works. I had absolutely no idea whatsoever what the purpose of that meeting was going to be. I had no preconceived notion about how I was going to be able to help her, or how she was going to be able to help me. So we sat down and started talking… and let the magic happen! It was an amazing meeting of the minds. It turns out, not surprisingly, that we can really help each other get to the next level. We can really help one another achieve those goals that until yesterday felt only like pipe dreams. So, here’s the lesson I learned… Keep dreaming those pipe dreams, because you just never know when they’re going to become your reality! And, there’s the next quote I hope to be known for!

More about my new networking friend: For anyone who is looking to manage stress, reduce anxiety, quit smoking, lose weight, gain focus, increase motivation or for some other reason just get out of your own way, please check out www.StephanieDalfonzo.com. I really am totally inspired!

Goals

“It is never too late to be who you might have been.” ~~George Eliot~~

I have decided to work towards a new goal. Well, not entirely new. And, while I am certainly not changing my long term personal goals, or my business goals (at least not today), I am focusing on something different. I’m trying a new tactic, I guess. My “new” goal is to do and be my best. Simple, right? If I do my best all the time how can I not accomplish my other goals? If I am my best all the time, how can I not achieve success? I’ve struggled with this in the past because I felt like I had to define “my best”, but I came to the realization today that “my best” isn’t a constant. I’m evolving; learning more every day about who I am and what “my best” is. So, as of today, I am committed to “my best” and look forward to becoming who I am.

Thursday: Goals

“If you want to make your dreams come true, the first thing you have to do is wake up.” ~J.M. Power

Wake up! Turn it on! Set the goal, and go after it! Do whatever it takes. Get creative! Try something new; something different. Maybe you join an accountability group; maybe you try Twitter for the first time (or second time). Maybe you get out there and start talking to people and asking for referrals and advice. Maybe you offer advice and resources. Waking up the sleeping giant may be exactly what needs to happen. Light that fire!

“Success isn't a result of spontaneous combustion. You must set yourself on fire.“ ~Arnold H. Glasow

Oh – and if you do decide to give Twitter a shot, follow me @HireEffect! See you there!