THEME OF THE MONTH: FOCUS
Focus means a central point of attention, activity, or clarity. As we move into Q4, are you crystal clear on your three to seven top priorities for the rest of the year?
This time of year, we get bombarded. Priorities and tasks outside the day-to-day pile up fast. And it’s exactly when we’re trying to close out the goals we set eleven months ago. That combination is dangerous and it’s the point where absolute focus matters most.
Here’s what I notice every year at this point: Clarity Breaks become fewer and farther between. The very tool built to protect our focus is the first thing we skip when we need it most.
By definition, a Clarity Break is time you schedule away from the office, out of the daily grind of running the business, to think and work on your business, department, or self. I’ve attached a quick guide if you want a refresher on how to run one.
To stay focused through the end of the year, you have to stay clear on what needs to get done and how you’re going to do it. Get clear on three central priorities (rocks). Post them somewhere you’ll see them daily. Check in on your progress every week, not just at the end of the month.
QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF
- If you dropped everything else this week, what’s the one thing that would move the needle most?
- What’s currently getting your best hours that shouldn’t be?
- If today were December 31st, what would you wish you’d focused on more?