Time, attention, money, and willpower limited resources. Overcoming obstacles requires focusing on your resources intelligently. Building focus is like building a muscle. It requires intention and effort to encourage growth.
Scattering your attention and resources limits your ability to overcome obstacles:
1. Determine what success looks like.
Focus is easier to maintain if you have a clear aim. You might need to find a better job in order to purchase the home of your dreams. But what does a “better job” really mean? If you know that, it means:
- A salary of $75,000+
- Only 50 hours per week
- A boss that I respect
- In the pharmaceutical field
- Within 10 miles of my home
- Then you can direct your energy and resources wisely.
2. Make a list of what you won’t do.
The brilliant investor, Warren Buffett, suggests the following exercise: Make a list of everything you really want to accomplish and put the list in order. Circle the top three items. His advice is to avoid everything else on the list as if your life depended on it.
- Avoid all the distractions in life that don’t matter. Handle your current obstacle. There will be a time in the future to accomplish other goals.
3. Create a list of accomplishments at the end of each day.
Success can increase focus. A little progress can fuel your attention. Spend a few minutes at the end of each day listing your successes, no matter how small.
4. Control your thoughts.
Keep your thoughts on the actions that will bring about positive results.
Can they accomplish anything impressive without focus? Use your time and other resources to the best of your ability. Distractions may be enjoyable, but they won’t help you conquer your obstacles.
“If you’re trying to achieve, there will be roadblocks. I’ve had them; everybody has had them. But obstacles don’t have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don’t turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it.”
– Michael Jordan
