How to Focus on the Future
Ask anyone what the central focus of their lives is; and chances are you’ll get a blank stare or an unclear account of what they think they want; as their response. That’s because most of us find it hard to pinpoint a single focus or central element in our lives. We move from goal to goal, happy if we achieve some of them, unconcerned if others are unfulfilled. And then we sit back and wonder why we’ve not achieved the financial success we had hoped for.
Successful entrepreneurs will tell you that focus is one of the key ingredients that allows them to move forward and step their businesses up a notch. Desire, combined with focus and a single minded determination will push your mind into over-drive. You begin to visualize what you want and see it happen on a daily basis. You talk about it, live it and breath it, and most importantly, you believe it to be true. You take the first step toward controlling your financial destiny .
Gaining this focus is easier than you think. Make a list of what you really want to achieve and next, make a list of those clients, products or services you work with, that can help you achieve it. This follows the 20%-80% rule as outlined by Brian Tracey in his book, Focal Point . It’s the top 20% of your clients, products or services that will contribute to 80% of your income.
The same hold true no matter the kind of business you run or the kind of income streams you tap into to make your money . For example, if you work with affiliate marketing , then identify those affiliates which offer a larger percentage. If you offer consulting services, make a list of those clients who are willing to pay a premium price for your services. It doesn’t have to be a large list. In fact, a smaller list will allow you to earn more income with lesser number of hours put in.
The 20%-80% rule doesn’t work only for your career; it can be applied to any aspect of your life. Within your wish list, make a note of all the things that are currently working for you. At the same time, write down those which are not working for you. Can you downsize, delegate and eliminate much of these things? Hire a cleaning company to help get your home in order; find a nanny or babysitter to look after the children for a few hours each day; get a personal trainer or dietician to help you achieve your health and fitness goals. By completing tasks of higher value and outsourcing or if necessary, downsizing tasks of lesser value, you are automatically realigning your focus onto achieving more in a lesser amount of time.
Remember that putting this formula into action is a matter of personal choice. You can choose to rethink your focus and strategies or you can choose to continue along your current path. If you are not happy with the way your choice goes, you can further make a decision to change it . Accepting responsibility gives you a sense of control over your actions and your future.
Until next time, J.
“Take control of your destiny or someone else will”
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June 24 2009 10:02 am | HowTo Business Questions, Wealth Strategies, personal development
August 10th, 2009 at 10:33 am
Great tips. Working in 90 days cycles can help in rethinking the focus. This allows time to determine what is working and what isn’t.
Also, if you’ve stopped doing something that has previously worked in the past, re-focus and get back in the flow.