I'm here tonight with Tip #2 as promised. See, part of getting something accomplished is saying you'll do something then actually doing it. If you want to actually achieve a goal you set, you have to FOCUS.
So, there you have it, today's tip is: FOCUS.
FOCUS? Some of you may not even be sure what to think about that word in your busy hectic schedule. We can be so busy working on so many different things, we don't get any of them really done, or done very well. I'm asking you to really stop, take a deep breath, and think...
Before you jump into your next project that is destined to sit on the "TO DO" list incomplete for the next ten years, get centered. Whatever you have to do, pray, take a walk outside, find your inner peace, however you get there, find that still small voice inside and listen to it.
Is there something you have really wanted to do that you haven't gotten to do yet? You still have time! Give your heart that attention it deserves and let what you have been thinking about be fueled by the little sparks that will start to grow from ideas.
For me, this second step was the biggest difference. Before just writing another story or song that sat in my "wish list for later box," I thoughtfully prayed about my decisions. I looked for inspiration and ideas that spoke to my heart. I wrote down inspirational scriptures, sayings, read a lot, then prayed some more.
To help me FOCUS, I wrote down some things that were continuing to tug at my heart. I looked at some things I'd always wanted to finish and wrote them on my "To Do List" for THIS year!
Having focus means setting some achievable goals and deadlines. For example, my daughter is now four and I can't blame not fitting into my skinny jeans on having a new baby. I decided this year I was going to actually TRY to lost weight. Did it work at first, NO. I tried, but I really didn't have any FOCUS. When I asked about planning my high school reunion, then started helping plan it, that gave me a FOCUS and a timeline in which I wanted to lose weight. Suddenly, eating only half, drinking more water, and exercise started becoming important to me again because I had a goal to FOCUS on. My reunion. Hurray for deadlines right?
Another FOCUS for me this year became finishing my Masters of Arts in Teaching/Teacher Leadership. I had only been chipping away for over ten years trying to finish, but didn't have a FOCUS. Last fall and this spring, there were some exciting jobs I was interested in, but I couldn't get them without my Masters Degree. For me, the future job opportunities became the FOCUS and it has motivated me to double up my courses and I will finally finish by this December (at the latest if I don't lose my FOCUS)! Only 19 credits left, yes!
I guess I actually thrive under pressure so on top of that, I decided THIS YEAR WAS GOING TO BE A YEAR FOR PUBLISHING! This was going to be my major FOCUS. Something for fun, to let my creativity shine, to be something I could share to encourage families in a world that seems to be trying to break families down. Through publishing, I decided I could find a way to spread some sunshine through art and language and be able to encourage and share loving memories. This made my heart smile and has been a positive energy and FOCUS that is carrying me through everything else. (And yes, if you are just reading my blog for the first time, I actually DID have my first book published in May so Grandmas Are Gorgeous! is proof that if I can do it in my hectic world, you can achieve your goals with FOCUS too! :)
When you take something absolutely new on like starting a business, designing a product, creating art, or writing, you are choosing to grow your brain. It is a wonderful thing to do and the positive and creative energy you get from learning is completely awesome! By doing something new, it makes my routine tasks like laundry and chores not seem so mundane. I'm not saying I don't get behind because I absolutely do, but I don't mind the work as much because I am also getting to create art and write.
When I decided to write and illustrate my children's books for families, I knew it would give me opportunities to create and share with my children. My family time is precious to me and my every day FOCUS so this also gives me a unique way to work with them.
Whatever you want it to be for this year...you still have time! Seek it out...take the quiet time to listen...write down ideas that speak to your heart...and then write and keep them visible so you can work toward them as you center and FOCUS on what you really want to do in life. You might need to keep working full time while you start designing this plan that you want to achieve, but you have to start with that FOCUS and do the planning in order for it to be successful.
Ponder that overnight and don't forget to keep that notebook and pen by your bed so that when you are struck with a smile in the night because you have an amazing idea, you can write it down.
I'll be praying you are able to listen and FOCUS so you can find your answers. I know you'll get there! See you for tip #3 tomorrow.
Night, night.
Trina
Author Website
www.trinagunzel.com
