Get in Focus - How To Develop Long-Term Focus
Hello wonderful WA community...I hope you all are well and having a very productive week so far!
Today I wanted to discuss, how to develop long-term focus and how we can stay motivated to achieve distant goals. I read the other day that, scientific researchers work day in, and day out to pursue goals that will take years, decades, or even generations to achieve.
Their progress is often painstakingly slow, they likely receive little feedback, and they know that success isn't guaranteed.
However, despite the odds, they find enough meaning and motivation to keep working towards their objectives. Because of their long-term focus, we've all benefited from life-saving advances in areas such as vaccination, CT scanning, antibiotic development ā and many others.
People who maintain focus on long-term goals can achieve much bigger things than those who jump from idea to idea, or those who give up after the slightest setback.
What Is Focus?
Focus is your ability to center your attention and energy on a specific task, object, or activity, for a sustained length of time - isn't that what we all want to build towards?
It's often quite simple to focus on short-term tasks and goals because you see results quickly, and this helps to keep your motivation levels high. However, it's much more difficult to focus on goals that might take months, years, or decades to realize.
One reason for this is that you lose sight of what you want to achieve, and why.
People who maintain focus on long-term goals can achieve much bigger things than those who jump from idea to idea, or those who give up after the slightest setback.
So, how can you keep the focus on long-term goals, especially when you have to contend with everyday distractions and other urgent tasks?
Maintaining Long-Term Focus
- Identify Meaningful Long-Term Goals, write them down and keep them posted in spots that are HIGHLY visible to you, like your vanity, work area, or on your car's visor.
- Reinforce Self-Regulation, develop it, and work on your self-discipline. This will help you to keep moving forward and working hard, even when you are not "in the mood". There will be times when your goal feels out of reach, or when you want to give up. Self-discipline pushes us to keep going, despite the odds.
- Recognize Progress - Even if it's a very small item/ step. As we teach here at The Wealthy Affiliate "Baby Steps", it was the tortoise that won the race!
Key Takeaways
Focus is your ability to center your attention and energy on a specific task, object, or activity for a sustained length of time, allowing you to shut out distractions so that you can work to achieve your desired goal(s).
To develop long-term focus, set meaningful benchmarks that you'll enjoy working towards and that really matter to you, and write them down!
Also, strengthen your self-discipline, and develop the good habits you'll need to move towards your goals in the months and years to come.
Stay on course by not acting impulsively on new ideas and learn to recognize and celebrate the progress you make, day to day.
... So, what goals (short-term or long-term) are you going to work on?
As always, your feedback and comments are welcome!
Thank you for reading this blog...wishing all a VERY productive week!
-Mike
Recent Comments
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thanks for the article, Mike. I think you listed some very actionable ways to achieve long-term focus... something I lack at times.
I have goals written and posted all around my desk on my wall and on the desk itself. I remind myself daily that I will succeed by pushing toward these goals and them being met. Always creating new goals to push on towards.
One of the calls I do Monday-Friday is a call where we talk about our goals and the targets we have. It is a good daily reminder!
Best wishes,
Karin š
Thank you Karinā¦Iām glad you liked the post and looks like youāve got a solid plan of action ā I use stickyās all the time.
-Mike
Thanks, Mike. It is. I know I have a ways to go, but I guess we never really reach the "finish" line until the very end of our earthly journey, right?!?
Have a great day!
Karin
I agree Karinā¦we are always learning and growing ā to the very end. At least that is what I believe.
Thank you
-Mike
I've always had a problem with focus and motivation. Mostly because of what might be ADHD. I certainly have the classic symptoms, but I'm finding that focus on one thing I need to do for my site each day, then work to complete it. It may not always work, and sometimes I have to work really hard it at, sometimes harder than most people, but I can get it done.
I also know that if I go from one task, to another task, and get that task done, like notes what I want for my site, or about page, then when I come back, I come back fresh, and it's easier. That helps. I don't always self-regulate the way I'd like, but I've been able to stick closer to my site, and the Victory Infopublishing project (of which Koffee Klatch is only a part), then I've been able to stick to anything in my life. I guess that's a sign of that being my passion, lol.
Thanks, Mike. This is a post I want to stick to often.
Hi Katherineā¦Iām so glad that you found some value in this blog post. Your doing great and all I can say is keep doing what youāve been doing and Iām sure it will all work out for you!
Thank you!
-Mike
I sure plan to Mike. I'm always thinking of my site, Koffee Klatch and Victory Infopublishing, even when I'm not working on it. Disrupts my sleep sometimes. I get an idea on the edge of sleep, so put it in my OneNote on my phone, then I can sleep, lol!
Great read as always Mike...
I find it more beneficial to focus on one thing at a time and do it well, rather than spreading myself too thin and trying to do a bit of everything at the same time!
But it is easier said than done at times my friend!!
True, but do you have an end game? I mean what your doing is great, but for me anyway, I need to know the longterm play ā just keeps me grounded.
-Mike
I have an end game Mike!
To make enough money to buy my own private tropical island in the South Pacific where I can live out the rest of my days in peace!
Hi Mike, great post. When I started here at WA 6 months ago, I never thought that this would ever work, just thought this was just another one of these places that took your money and lead you nowhere. But after 6 months and a lot of posts and focusing later, I can sit back and honestly say that I am proud of myself for achieving what I have done so far and still heading toward my goal. Have a great week, take care.
That is awesome Brian!
Goes to show you that if we put our minds to things and focus we can achieve a lot of goals and dreams.
Thank you for reading my blog and I hope you have a very productive week!
-Mike
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Hey Mike,
Wow, thank you so much for this great message of encouragement I needed this message! It reminds me that I need to stay focused on my goals and objectives long-term.
I realize that I can't continue to allow the always-present distractions to get in my way, or deplete me of my energy and motivation.
Thanks so much! :)
Iām so glad that you liked and were able to get some good information out of this post.
I wish you all the best in your journey.
-Mike