Think back to your most productive day this past week, this past month or even this past year.
Now ask yourself:
- On that day, what did you do differently?
- What did you eat?
- What strategies did you use to avoid distractions, eliminate procrastination, and stay focused all day long?
- What one thing did you accomplish that made you feel your best?
- That made you feel alive?
The truth is, most of us don't pay nearly enough attention to our daily routine. That's why doing a weekly, monthly or yearly review of your routine is beneficial. As federal employees, sometimes, you can't find the time to reflect. But next week, you can.
The President of the United States, Barack Obama, signed an executive order for a half-day closing of executive departments and agencies of the federal government.
You can check it out here.
So, instead of spending that extra four hours on doing something that won't move the needle for you in your career, why not use that time to feed your soul, F.O.C.U.S.(Follow one course until complete) and make 2016 your best year yet. Use these four hours to focus and reflect on what you did right this year and how you can build on that momentum and do even more next year. Here are a few ideas:
1. Focus on your priorities.
Do first things first. Map out your day the night before. If you don't have a clear goal for your day, you will pilfer your time and not accomplish what you set out to do. Motivational speaker Zig Ziglar said, "lack of direction, not lack of time is the problem. We all have 24 hours in a day." Focus on the benefits of sticking to your set course.
2. Focus on the end results.
If the one goal you set will take the entire year to accomplish, don't get tired half way and give up. Keep reminding yourself why achieving this goal will make your life better. "Whatever your goal for this year, you can get there -- if you're willing to do the work," Oprah said in her magazine.
3. Focus on the present.
Zig Ziglar also said, "Yesterday ended last night. Today is a brand new day and it's yours." Even if you get off track from pursuing your goal, remember that tomorrow is another day. Don't get stuck on the trivial or mundane -- or yesterday. Jump back on the horse and give things your best shot the next day. Focus on the positive things that you can do in the future, not on what you failed to do yesterday.
4. Focus on strengths.
Everyone has some things he or she is good at as well as things he or she is not so good at. Make sure the goal you set is something you can realistically accomplish and preferably something you are good at or can become proficient in over time.
Mozart, Beethoven and other musical geniuses developed their skills through practice and sheer dedication to their craft.
If you want to achieve similar results, you must have laser-like focus.
Remember, success leaves clues. So if something has worked for let's say New York Times bestselling authors like David Allen, Shawn Achor, Tom Rath and Adam Grant. Do you think it could work for you?
I think so too. So if you've ever wondered how you can take your performance to the next level, I have something that I know you're going to love.
Check this out.
For one week in January, they're revealing their strategies for getting things done. And incredibly, they're giving away tickets for FREE.
Here are just some of the many fascinating topics they're covering:
- How to write the perfect To Do list
- How to eat like a mental athlete
- How to think like a creative genius
- How to build smarter habits
- How to get more sleep
- How to deal with toxic colleagues
- How to eliminate distractions
- How to beat procrastination
- How say "No" to anyone, including your boss
- How to multiply your time
This summit will shift your thinking and catapult you into new heights in 2016. You may not be able to change your work environment, but you can definitely change yourself.
Time is valuable; you can never get it back. So use your four extra hours on Christmas Eve to jump start your 2016.
Let's show the president, he was correct in giving us this half-day off this Xmas eve!