It’s always a good idea to be very aware of your own weaknesses and to be honest with yourself about your shortcomings. If there’s one thing we could all use a little more of, it’s self discipline and focus.
In my own experience building an Internet business, I have struggled with this problem many times and, frankly, it’s still a challenge today. Of course, this concept applies to far more than just becoming a successful internet entrepreneur. Whether you’re trying to start your own business or looking to create a new exercise routine, self discipline and focus are absolutely critical to your success.
If we all need more focus and discipline, what’s the answer? How do we develop the proper mindset to create more focus and self discipline in life?
I believe there is one very simple, incredibly obvious, and commonly overlooked answer to this problem – getting clear about your goals.
Sure, you’ve heard it before – but how current are you with your goals NOW? That’s really the only thing that matters. Nobody cares what your goals were six months ago or even six days ago – especially not your subconscious. As far as success is concerned, goal setting is about the HERE AND NOW. That’s why it’s so dang hard!
Any old chum can decide he wants to become a millionaire. And any gal can say she wants to build a new business from scratch. But how many will actually follow through? Based on the available evidence, very few. As Bear Bryant once said, “It’s not the will to win, but the will to prepare to win that makes the difference.”
As usual, we need a clear idea of how to create focus and self discipline, so let’s make a list of things we can all do TODAY or RIGHT NOW to make it happen:
1. Write Out Your Specific Goals
This is the best place to begin. You have to know where you’re going if you expect to get there. Try to keep your goals list focused on one key area.
2. Schedule Your Time
Really. Novel, isn’t it? Plot out your time in blocks and stick to it! Make sure your time is being used to achieve your goals.
3. Create Daily Reminders
You need a system for keeping you mindful of your purpose every day. I know some people have success with post-it notes and the like. I’ve always liked the note card on my dashboard.
4. Chunk It Down
Step one should help you get a clear idea of where you’re going, but you can’t get there in one week, one month, maybe even one year. So break it down and make it easier for you to identify and celebrate progress along the way.
5. Set Aside Time to Relax & Decompress
This is an area where I have a lot of trouble and I know it affects my progress. The amount of “down time” you’ll need will depend on you and your situation, so personalize this step.
Sounds like a lot of work? Well, it is! Focus and discipline is NOT easy, else we’d all just have it. You’re up against years of habitual behavior and thought-patterns. It’s not going to be easy to turn this around tomorrow. But stick with it and I know you’ll see results!
Related Articles:
- Maximize Your Self Concept for Business Success
- Time Management for Internet Entrepreneurs 2.0
- The Entrepreneur’s Key to Success: Feature Interview – Yaro Starak
- Develop a Clear Vision for Your Business
