Seven Tips on How to Focus for Success

A new beginning feels good and we're quite willing to make new commitments and New Year's resolutions. However, you and I both know that many, perhaps most, of these resolutions just don't get completed. Other things, more important things, seem to get in the way. We've all been there. So my advice to you, particularly business leaders, is to forget New Year's resolutions. Instead, simply decide to increase your focus this year in everything you do, resolutions or not. Here are seven tips to help you do so:on't get involved or participate in anything if it doesn't have a plan - a written one. Even an impromptu meeting should have an agenda. So don't go to a meeting without one. Large projects and initiatives should all have at least a rough but clear purpose, objective, time and action plan. Review it, decide where you can add value and move on if you can't.
Keep a log occasionally of everything you do for a week. Review it and then decide to outsource those routine things that someone else can do. It may cost you a few dollars, but how much is your time worth? How many more important things could you complete if you didn't have to do the routine?
Although this is a law of physics we all too often see the parallel in business. However, it doesn't have to be so. For example, when presented with a difficult situation, particularly one involving feelings (see above) or people, hold off your immediate reaction. Give yourself time to assess the situation as best you can, ask a few questions, and formulate more than one alternative.