To focus means to bring your attention to the center of something, to concentrate on one thing intently in order to gain clarity. Teaching yourself to stay focused on one project, goal, or opportunity at a time will not only allow you to be more productive and effective, it can also help you to concentrate more deeply on the task at hand, bringing forth greater creative insight and wisdom in the process!

We often try to spread ourselves too thin. For example, we try to respond to every opportunity or provide every possible service that someone might need, in the hopes of striking success. But the reality is that long-term and sustainable success often comes from the ability to stay focused on one project or goal at a time. How can we succeed at something if we are busy grasping for other straws and letting our attention waver elsewhere?

To determine whether or not you may be having trouble focusing, answer the following questions:

1. Do you find yourself generating so many new ideas that you never get started on a single one?
2. Are you easily distracted during the day and feel as though you never get anything completed?
3. Does your business card or brochure list so many products or services that it sometimes confuses potential customers?

We are all creative beings. It makes sense that we'd want to pursue many interests or travel several paths at once. But remember that when you expend your energy in several directions, you weaken the power behind one. Is there a project or goal that needs your devoted attention? If there is, try to stay focused on that one goal. Prioritize everything else in order of importance, so that you don't forget them. Once your current and primary goal is complete, you can tackle your remaining projects in an organized manner.

Also ask yourself if a particular project really needs to be done at all. If not, it will just be taking up space on your list of priorities and adding unnecessary stress. Strike it from your list and focus on those tasks that really do need attention!

You may find it difficult to focus on one task at a time in the beginning, but once you have a few projects marked off your list and see the real progress you’re making, you will feel motivated to keep going! Good luck, and remember to focus!