Tag Archive for making dreams come true

Doing Anything is Easy (To Excel At It Is Something Else)

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Doing Anything is Easy (Being Good At It Is Something Else)

Many of us have big dreams that we try not to think about. Some people want to be astronauts. some people want to be rock stars.

Yet few people will admit it at a social gathering.
.
Problem is, it seems a bit silly to admit to our ambitious dreams and hopes. We figure they have a small chance of becoming real.

We let a fear of failure prevent us from speaking them. What’s worse,, they prevent us from acknowledging them!

Anything Goes?

So can you achieve anything you want to? And can you be whatever you want to be – like the teachers told you at school?

Read on as GenuLines looks at how and why this can be the case.

How to be a Rock Musician
If you want to be a rock musician, what do you do? The first step is to start playing rock.

What you could do next though is to start recording that playing. Then upload it to YouTube.

Do this enough and in time you’ll get a following as people start to add you and subscribe.

Over the course of a few years, you could end up with a list of subscribers. One that’s long enough to make you something of a minor celebrity…

Want to be a novelist?

Then you can write a book and publish it on a self publishing site to be able to say you’re a ‘published author’.

The point is that in some ways it’s easy to become the thing you want to be. Getting to the level where you’re professional is harder,but you don’t need to make your job the thing that defines you.

So in other words, if you want to say you’re a ‘writer’ all you have to do is to ‘write’.

When you look at your goals and dreams like this, it allows you to forget the idea of failure. Failure is no longer an issue and so you can attack your goals with vigor.

You can’t fail when you ‘write regularly’.

You’ll enjoy the things you’re passionate about. And you won’t think you have to lie or downplay your hopes and objectives.

Take your shot at being what you want to be. But remember that getting to the highest levels will take time!

JohnK 1-29-2024
chiforyourself.com

stick man hears about living easyOverheard: “Ability is active power”

~ Noah Webster
 

 

 

disclaimer for easy

 

Making Your Dreams Come True

Dreams do come true, for some of us. And you want to be among those who realize their dreams. 

Start with this GenuLines look at how your dreams can become reality.

Making Your Dreams Come True

Do you dream of being somebody special, somebody big? Do you fantasize about hitting the game-winning home run?
 
the word dream
 
Do you dream of being the homecoming queen? And how many times have you dreamed of being rich, or successful, or happy with your relationships?
 
Often, we dream big dreams and have great aspirations. Unfortunately, our dreams are only that – dreams.
 
 
 
 
And our aspirations collect dust.
 
We want to move toward self actualization. But we get caught up in the humdrum of living from day-to-day.
 
Mere existence becomes our reality. But life could be so much better, if only we learned to aim higher.

The words get in the way

The most common problem with setting goals are the words ‘can’t’ and ‘impossible’.
 
Most people get hung up thinking ‘I can’t do this,’ or ‘It’s not possible.’ Now, if everyone thought that way, there would be no inventions.
 
No innovations. And no breakthroughs in human accomplishment.
 
Remember that scientists drew a blank when they studied the bumblebee. They said that in theory it was impossible for the bumblebee to fly.
 
But, the bumblebee doesn’t know that. So fly it does.
 
But some people dream very possible dreams and then don’t act on them. The result?
 
Broken dreams, and tattered aspirations.

Try this exercise

Take a piece of paper and write down some goals in your life. Under one header, list things you ‘know you can do’.
 
Under another header, write the things you ‘might be able to do.’ And under one more, list the things that are ‘impossible to do.’
 
Now look at all the headers and strive every day to finish things you ‘know you can do’. Check them when you’re able to do them.
 
Then move to the goals you ‘might be able to do.’ Finally, tackle the goals you labeled ‘impossible to do.’
 
As you work through this process you’ll find that the ‘impossible’ begins to seem possible.
 
The intention here is not to limit your imagination. It’s to aim high, and start working towards that goal little by little.
 
But keep it realistic so you don’t end up disappointed and disillusioned.
 
Thomas Edison said that genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration. Nothing could be truer.
 
To reach your dreams be ready to call on hard work and discipline. Any gym rat will tell you that there can be no gains unless you’re out of your comfort zone.
 
So dream on! Don’t get caught up in your perceived limitations.
 
As you progress, you’ll find that the ‘impossible’ is feeling a bit more possible.
 
JohnK 5-15-2023
 
stick man hears about dreamsOverheard: “Keep true to the dreams of your youth”
                           ~ Friedrich Schiller
 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for dreams
 
 
 
 

5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Aging Process

Aging should be a graceful experience. And it can.

There are some steps in that direction that can help you. And GenuLines offers a list of those for your consideration. 

two aging people

 

5 Simple Ways to Improve Your Aging Process

Everyone grows older.  But that doesn’t mean you can’t age in a positive way.
 
Start by focusing on your physical, mental, and emotional health.
 

1. Grip Strength

The following comes from a study in Clinical Interventions in Aging. It found a connection between grip strength and health and happiness markers.
 
Improving your grip strength can also improve your:
 
· Upper Limb Function
 
· Overall Strength
 
· Fine Motor Skill
 
· Cognitive Ability
 
· Emotional State
 
Good grip strength allows you to age well and remain active and independent. To strengthen your grip strength, try this exercise:
 
· Squeeze a squish or tennis ball with your whole hand 5 to 10 times
 
· Repeat using only your thumb and index finger.
 
· Repeat using your thumb and each other finger.
 
2. Maintain a Healthy Weight
Being overweight or underweight has negative effects. There’s the risk of chronic diseases, health conditions, and potential falls and fractures.
 
Doctors determine weight based on your Body Mass Index (BMI). Your BMI is a calculation of your body fat based on your height and weight.
 
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says BMI determines your weight. The levels of weight status are:
 
BMI Weight Status
 
Below 18.5 – Underweight
 
18.5—24.9 – Normal
 
25.0—29.9 – Overweight
 
30.0 and Above – Obese
 
Researchers have determined that a BMI of 25 or more is a risk for chronic disease and poor health. To maintain a healthy weight, the CDC recommends that your diet contains:
 
· Fruits
 
· Vegetables
 
· Whole Grains
 
· Lean Protein Sources
 
· Low Fat
 
· Low Sodium
 
· Little Added Sugars
 
Lean protein sources include fish, poultry, eggs, legumes, and soy products. Low-fat foods should be low in saturated and trans fat and cholesterol.
 
Talk with your doctor about how many calories you need every day. Then plan your diet within that allowance.
 
3. Stay Active
Your activity level helps you maintain good muscle mass, strength, and bone density. A Journal of Physical Therapy Science study looked at adults age 52 and older.
 
It found they tend to have a decreased activity level, leading to poorer health outcomes. The CDC recommends older adults engage in:
 
· 150 Minutes a Week of Moderate Intensity Aerobic Activity
 
· 2 Days of Strength Training a Week
 
· Activity as Tolerated
 
If you have health problems, talk with your doctor about what activities are safe for you. Be as active as possible and increase your activity level as you grow stronger.
 
Staying active helps you age well by improving your:
 
· Posture
 
· Stamina
 
· Strength
 
· Independence
 
4. Exercise Your Brain
According to a study in Scientific Reports, cognitive training improves brain function. The more you use your brain, the better your health and quality of life.
 
The journals Nature and PLoS Medical looked at good cognitive function. Their study found it may reduce the risk for dementia.
 
Try exercising your brain with these activities:
 
· Jigsaw Puzzles
 
· Sudoku
 
· Learn a New Language
 
· Art Classes or Crafts
 
· Nature Walks
 
5. Socialize
As you age, the opportunities for social contact may decrease. This is from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine.
 
Their report found that one in four adults age 65 and older are socially isolated. It showed that social isolation increases the risk for:
 
· Heart Disease
 
· Stroke
 
· Depression
 
· Anxiety
 
· Suicide
 
· Dementia
 
· Premature Death
 
You can improve your aging process by staying socially connected and active. You may find social connections through:
 
· Joining a Book Club or Other Hobby Group
 
· Volunteering
 
· Writing Letters to Family and Friends
 
· Email or Social Media
 
Improving your aging process helps you be more independent. It increases your cognitive ability, and builds social connections, too.
 
There are many simple ways to improve your aging process and quality of life.
 
JohnK 8-23-2021
 
stick figure hears about stressOverheard:  “Embrace aging”
            ~Mitch Albom- Tuesdays With Morrie
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for aging
 

Stop Focusing on Your Past Mistakes and Failures

Reminiscing and thinking about the past can be a great exercise. It’s always good to have a healthy respect for things that have come and gone.

But you don’t want to live in the past, and GenuLines can help you adjust your view of days gone by.

Stop Focusing on Your Past Mistakes and Failures

They say that learning from history is how you best ensure a good future. That said, if you’re living in the past you’re doing more harm than good.
 
And if you’re replaying negative events in your mind it’s even worse.
 
It’s also a surefire way to temper your boldness. And it lessens your resolve when you face future challenges.
 
 
picture of past mistakes
 
So how do you stop doing that?
Learn to Value Your Mistakes
The first thing to do is to value your mistakes. Remember that mistakes teach you things.
 
They make you stronger and wiser. And they give your personal narratives a more interesting and more unique bent.
 
It’s not our successes that cause us to grow and develop but our mistakes. And each failure brings you one step closer to being the person you want to be.
 
Realize that your mistake has merit and value in itself. Then you can be a little more comfortable accepting it as part of your story.
Looking Forward
The next thing to do is to look forward and to remember that things are going to get better now. You’ve had your mistake, so how are you going to learn from that and use it to drive you in the future?
 
Don’t think about how your last relationship was a failure, Focus on how you’re going to make the next one a success.
Forgive Yourself
Many of us focus on our failures. We obsess over them because we’re frustrated with ourselves or we even feel guilty.
 
The key then is to stop aiming for perfection. Remember: you’re only human and mistakes are par for the course.
 
They’re acceptable and in fact, you can expect them. Know this and let your missteps go.
 
Ask yourself: would you beat someone else up if they had the same failure?
Learn to Let Go
Letting go in itself is something of an art form. If you’re an obsessive personality this is a skill that’s well worth learning.
 
You might consider seeing a cognitive-behavioral therapist. Besides learning to let go you’ll re-work your thoughts in a more positive way.
 
JohnK 6-14-2021

Stick figure hears about the pastOverheard: “The past is never dead. It’s not even past”                                ~William Faulkner

 
 
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for the past
 

4 Ways To Get Out Of Your Introvert Rut

You’re okay with being an introvert, until you’re not. It can put into a rut that leaves you feeling sort of stale. 

This list of suggestions from GenuLines is designed to ease you out of that rut.

4 Ways To Get Out Of Your Introvert Rut
Have you been feeling like you’re stuck in an introvert rut lately? Do you find yourself spending too much time on your own?
 
Could it be you do the same things over and over, or feel like you’re holding yourself back? There are a few things you can do if you’re stuck in an introvert rut.
 
Let’s get busy and figure them out!
 
introvert boy1) Step out but within your comfort zone
One of the best ways to get out of a rut is by pushing yourself to try new things. Now this can be a bit much for the VERY introverted.
 
 
 
 
 
Branch out and try new things in new places. You could hang out with a larger group of people, but do so within the confines of your comfort zone.
 
Go to your favorite coffee shop and order your favorite drink at their busiest time of day. Go to a party you wouldn’t normally attend, but hang in the corner with a close friend.
 
The key to this exercise is finding a balance; you want to push yourself, but not too far.
 
introvert girl2) Meet new people on your terms
Along the same lines, you want to meet new people within your comfort zone too. Spark up a conversation with a friendly person at your favorite store, restaurant, or bar.
 
 
 
 
This will help you meet someone that’s most likely like-minded. And you’ll do it without pushing yourself to the point of discomfort.
 
Push yourself to go somewhere where you might meet a new friend with whom you have common interests. This could make it easier for you to mix things up.
 
And you can get out of your rut without pushing yourself to the point of discomfort.
 
introvert boy3) Push yourself to take part in something new
Doing something entirely new to you can be a good way to break yourself out of your rut. But for a lot of introverts, this is highly uncomfortable.
 
 
 
 
It could even be anxiety-inducing. You have to push yourself to do something new that you’re comfortable with.
 
Are you more comfortable going out to a game night at a brewery or a book club that let you be in a smaller group? Then push yourself to do that.
 
If you’re more comfortable going to a larger party where you can hide in the crowd if you need to. then that needs to be the something new you try.
 
introvert girl4) Drive yourself to bust out of your shell
A great way to break out of an introverted rut is by pushing yourself to get out of your shell. This is another exercise that might prove to be very uncomfortable for introverts.
 
 
 
So it may not be for everyone.
 
Try branching out to new small groups where the attention has to be on you at some point. It could be a book club, creative writing group, local bridge game, or a small jam session among other things.
 
This will help you break out of your shell and push past this introversion and the rut you’re in.
 
Final thoughts
Getting out of an introvert rut can be tough. And the more introverted you are, the harder it becomes.
 
If you find the process too difficult, talk it over with a professional. You’ll get steered to more specific and custom exercises.
 
These will better help you get out of this rut without hurting yourself in any way.
 
JohnK 5-3-2021
 
stick figure man hears about introveertOverheard: “I was never less alone than when by myself”
                          ~Edward Gibbon
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for introverts

What To Do When You Don’t Get What You Really Want

You want it badly. But somehow it doesn’t show up. This happens to most of us, but GenuLines has some action steps for you if you’re struggling with this. 

What To Do When You Don’t Get What You Really Want

man who wantsIt sucks to know that life isn’t fair. But knowing this fact alone still doesn’t make us feel better when something that we really want seems to elude us.
 
Here are a couple of key things to consider when you don’t get what your heart desires.
 

Appreciate The Needs You DO Have

Being able to separate the things you need from those you want is extremely important in life. People worldwide go without even the most basic things many of us take for granted.
 
While it’s in no way wrong to pursue things other than the basic needs, try to avoid getting these things mixed up.
 
Think about each situation where you didn’t get something you wanted. Each of those is likely balanced by getting something you did want.
 
If you always got what you wanted do you think you’d be grateful?
 

Be Honest About Why You Didn’t Get It

When something doesn’t pan out it feels like a tragedy. But sometimes not getting something serves as a fork in the road.
 
It can point the way to something much better.
 
Whatever you’re feeling like you missed out on, give it a second look. You might realize that this failure could very well be for your benefit.
 
Even if it wasn’t a major disappointment the fact that you fell short can provide the motivation. you need to go after something even better!
 
banner to talk want
 
You Covered The Bases And Still Want It? Try Again!
So you slipped up but believe you still should have whatever avoided you. Regroup and try again!
 
Rest assured, most of the things worth having are not going to fall into your lap. If this were the case, they wouldn’t be nearly as fulfilling when we you get them.
 
If whatever you missed out on keeps bugging you it could be a sign that you’re meant to have it.
 
But not right now
If you’ve decided that it is, be ready to go after it! I could insert any number of motivational quotes such as “fall seven times, stand up eight.”
 
Or “fail forward.”
 
But the fact is, the life of a successful individual will include failures. How you deal with failure separates winning from living with self-pity and resentment.
 
Never allow yourself to give up in the pursuit of anything you believe to be yours.
 
JohnK 4-26-2021
 
Stick figure hears about wantOverheard: “Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.”
                             ~Dale Carnegie
 
 
 
disclaimer for want
 
 
 

Is Staying In Your Comfort Zone Holding You Back?

Your comfort zone has a way of betraying you. I mean, it’s supposed to be a comfortable place, right?

Let GenuLines show you how it might be working against you. 

(Listen to this article by clicking here)

Is Staying In Your Comfort Zone Holding You Back?

We’ve heard a lot about getting out of our comfort zone. But have you ever thought about why you should?
 
After all, it’s a place where we feel safe and in control. 
 
It’s where we can predict what will happen and how we will feel. There won’t be any surprises that we can’t deal with.
 
So why would you feel compelled or even want to get out of your comfort zone? You need to do it because that would be key to your personal growth and happiness.
 

 

 

 

 

The benefits

Stepping out of that zone helps you build up your self-confidence and the way you view yourself.
 
Is being there holding you back from living a fulfilled life and growing in your career? The answer is yes.
 
It can also keep you from realizing and achieving your desires. You avoid challenges and you don’t have to rise to any new levels.
 
Here are 3 ways this is holding you back.
 

1. It’s keeping you from personal growth

When you’re afraid of something, staying in your comfort zone keeps you from facing that fear.
 
Then you suffer from it forever or until you do face it. You sidestep situations that would force you to face the fear as a way of overcoming it.
 
For example, say you have a fear of public speaking. It could keep you from taking a job that requires you to speak in front of others.
 
You hesitate even though it’s a step up on your career ladder.
 

2. Your happiness suffers

You might be prone to struggle with self-confidence and self-esteem issues. These problems can grow unless you begin to address them.
 
Stepping outside your comfort zone helps you build self-confidence. You see yourself in a better light.
 
When you’re confident and have good self-esteem, you’re happier. For example, if you’re not confident in your abilities, you may fear trying something new.
 
This drags down your confidence. You feel less competent and it’s making you unhappy.
 

3. Your comfort zone can make you feel trapped and unhealthy

Often our comfort zone keeps us doing bad habits out of fear. You might want to be more active, run a marathon, feel fewer aches and pains and go on adventures.
 
But to do any of these things means doing something that is outside your comfort zone.
 
For example, you want to run a short marathon. It’s always been a dream of yours, but you procrastinate and make excuses why you can’t.
 
You’re too out of shape. You don’t have time. You’re too old.
 
But the real reason is that you’re afraid to get out of your comfort zone and begin working with a trainer. As a result, you continue to eat unhealthily and you gain weight.
 
You lose muscle tone and put your dream on the back burner. At some point, your health takes a hit.
 
Staying in your comfort zone holds you back from living a life you love, from being happy, and from growing. You end up letting your fears rule.
 
And that’s a recipe for mediocrity.
 
JohnK 1-25-2021
 
Stick figure hears about comfort zoneOverheard: “Dare to learn, to be different, to set your goals, to move out of your comfort zone, to be persistent.”
                                          ~ Unknown
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for talking about comfort zone
 
 

Are You Setting the Right Goals for Yourself?

The New Year is a great time to set new goals. And GenuLines wants you to make sure those new goals are the right goals. 
 
 

Are You Setting the Right Goals for Yourself?

There is a lot more to goal setting than just picking a goal and moving forward. Yes, this is important.
 
But it’s also important to make sure that you’re setting the right goals at the right time. These questions will help you head in the right direction:
 
Are You Setting Specific and Realistic Goals?
It takes a little research to ensure that a goal is realistic. If you’re not sure if something is actually achievable then you haven’t done enough research.
 
Once you know that the goal is realistic you need to give it a clear description. This will let you work backward to make a schedule of action you’ll need to succeed.
 
Listing goals
 
 
Are Your Goals Multifaceted?
Focusing on only one part of your life is a bad idea. To feel successful people make goals for all areas of their lives.
 
Say you have a wonderful business and career but your personal life suffers. No matter how successful you are, you won’t feel successful.
 
Make sure your goals include something from each aspect of your life.
 
Does Your Scheduling Show Real Need?
For instance, you want to exercise 30 minutes per day. But setting aside only 30 minutes isn’t going to be realistic.
 
You’ll probably need to set aside an hour. This will cover getting ready as well as cooling down or getting cleaned up to go back to work.
 
Are You Learning from Failure?
You might feel like giving up when setting goals and schedules. You put your plan into effect but you notice there are things you’ve forgotten to take into account.
 
Don’t quit. Learn from the failure and change the schedule to be more realistic.
 
You might find that in practice you have to rewrite all your goals and your schedule. This is natural.
 
Failure feels like a negative. But the truth is if you don’t fail sometimes you’re not going to learn much and it’s likely your goals are too easy.
 
Do Your Goals Represent Your Needs and Wants?
A lot of people set goals that represent what someone else wants instead of what they want. This can cause a lot of bad feelings and resentment.
 
And it can derail the best-laid plans.
 
As you set your goals for your life, ask yourself if they’re what you want for yourself or what someone else wants for you. Ask yourself if you’re okay with any goal you make being for someone else before you embark on your journey.
 
Are You Checking in Often to Stay on Track?
To-do lists pale in comparison to a well laid out calendar of tasks and activities that get you from point “A” to point “B”. Make sure that you look at your schedule often.
 
Make note of when you succeed in sticking to your schedule and when you don’t. Noticing a pattern of activity can help in improving your schedule.
 
And it can help you stay realistic about whether you’re sticking to the plan.
 
Do Your Goals Have Positive Focus?
Try writing down a goal and then changing the words to sound more positive to see if it isn’t more motivating. For instance, “losing weight” seems like a good target.
 
But for some people, it might signify deprivation. Instead, frame the goal as “improving my BMI by 10 points” or “improving my cholesterol by 10 percent.”
 
Do You Have Too Many Goals Set at One Time?
Just as setting too few goals can be a problem, so can setting too many. Instead, pick one personal goal, and one other type of goal to focus on until you reach them.
 
Later you can add more as time goes on. You don’t need to do everything today.
 
Slow and steady wins the race is a good motto to hang on to.
 
Setting the right goals for yourself takes some thought and consideration. Don’t try to set them all in one day.
 
It’s better to set some goals in different stages and in different areas of your life. And give a lot of thought to why you’re setting the goals in the first place.
 
JohnK 1-4-2021
 
stick man hears about goalsOverheard: “What the mind can conceive and believe, and the heart desire, you can achieve”
                                ~Norman Vincent Peale
 
 

 

 
 
 
disclaimer for setting goals

Overwhelm And Your Hectic, Stressful Life

Overwhelm and living a hectic life are two of the most common stresses. But it just so happens that you can control them!!
 
GenuLines looks at how these two things skyrocket your stress level and what you can do about it.

Overwhelm And Your Hectic, Stressful Life

A hectic life forces you to stay in a constant state of stress. You go and go with little to no break.
 
This is not good for the human body.
 
Time out
man showing overwhelmYou need to take a break, allowing you to calm your mind and body, starting anew with fresh energy. Keeping yourself in a constant state of busyness is horrendous for your stress level.
 
This, in turn, is bad for your health.
 
If your life seems too hectic you can start delegating. This will help you to reduce your stress and feel less overwhelmed.
 
 
 
What to do about it
There are some hectic and overwhelming things that are out of your control. Yet there are things you can do to help calm things down and reduce your stress.
 
First, get your priorities in order. Make a list of everything you have to do in descending order of importance.
 
When you’re done, see what you can cut out or delegate to someone else.
 
Get better organized
Organization can help reduce your stress. Keep a well-detailed calendar.
 
Divide your day into what you have to do and the time you’ve allotted in which to get it done. This will help you to feel less overwhelmed.
 
Finally, ask for help. It might surprise you to know how much your loved ones want to help you.
 
So let them. Start delegating tasks and try to make your life less hectic.
 
Delegating can help make all the difference
It can be hard to let certain things go, but sometimes, when it comes to your health, you have to. Delegating can help you keep a handle on the hectic parts of your life.
 
It can help you to reduce stress and prevent you from feeling so overwhelmed.
 
Delegating means allowing others to do some of the work for you so you have time to do other important things. You can delegate chores to others in your household.
 
You can have someone else drive your kids to their extracurriculars. These can take some weight off your shoulders.
 
Why you should bother
You need to know that stress kills. It can cause heart attacks, strokes, and other life-threatening conditions.
 
Minimizing your stress can help you think clearer, sleep better, and be healthier. It can help lessen your anxiety, as well.
 
So why, given an easy way to lessen your stress, would you not try it? It could mean a life and death difference for you.
 
Final Thoughts
We all deal with stress daily. But that stress builds up and could cause some serious health problems.
 
Being overwhelmed and living a hectic life are two of the biggest stresses in a lot of people’s lives. It’s good to know that with some practice you can manage them.
 
JohnK 10-26-2020
 
Stick figure hears about overwhelmOverheard: “If I cannot overwhelm with my quality, I will overwhelm with my quantity”
                                 ~Emile Zola
 
 
 
 
disclaimer for overwhelm

5 Simple Ways to Avoid Daily Distractions

No matter how focused you are, some days, it’s hard not to get distracted. And, in a time of societal upheaval, those distractions can get out of hand.
 
Let GenuLines help you with this list of points to bring back your focus.
 
 

5 Simple Ways to Avoid Daily Distractions

 
 
Life can sometimes get in the way of meeting your goals, but it doesn’t have to derail you.man endangered by distractions
 
Here are some expert tips on how to stay on track, no matter what else is happening around you.
 

 

 

 

1. Get Organized

 
It’s easier to focus if you’re not distracted by the small, daily tasks. Commit to a nightly practice of preparing for the next day.
 
Decide what to wear, what to have for lunch and the other necessary things that are part of your routine. Have your gym bag ready and packed so you can just pick it up and go.
 
It can help to get organized for your week on a Sunday evening. For example, have all your work clothes clean and pressed and ready to wear.
 
You might even consider a minimalist work wardrobe of similar garments to mix and match. You can also bulk cook and freeze meals so that you don’t even think about dinner during the week.
 

2. Do the Tough Things First

 
You can free up a lot of mental energy by putting the difficult tasks and decisions at the top of your to-do list. Do the hardest tasks when your brain is still fresh first thing in the morning.
 
This way you can get on with your day without a nagging dread at the back of your mind.
 

3. Keep Your Energy High

 
It might surprise you to hear that fatigue can be a distraction. If your energy is low, you won’t be performing at your best, so make sure you take regular breaks.
 
Get out of the office and get some fresh air. Eat your lunch in the park and give your eyes a break from looking at a screen.
 
Eat lots of fresh foods and stay hydrated by keeping a water pitcher on your desk.

4. Manage Your Priorities

 
Chances are, many of the requests you get during the day don’t deserve to be your top priority. Instead of responding straight away, decide on how urgent the request is.
 
Do you really need to answer that email now? Learn to focus on requests and respond as you see fit.

 

5. Keep Your Eye on the Prize

 There are so many distractions in modern life that it can be easy to lose sight of what you want to achieve. Have a visual reminder of what you’re working toward.

 
This could be a mission statement or a post-it note on your computer. Check-in every day to see how you’re tracking and make sure you keep a line of sight on your big goal.
 
JohnK 10-12-2020
 
stick man hears about distractionsOverheard: “Creation is in part merely the business of forgoing the great and small distractions”
                                        ~E. B. White
 
 
 
Article Image by by Cristofer Jeschke on Unsplash
 
disclaimer for distractions