Getting Focused
How Do You Stay On Task?
I have been working intensely the past few days. I have been bringing a new business idea to life and it has consumed me. It’s funny, but once an idea sets in my mind and I can “see” it work, I’m off and running. That’s how this new local business idea has been for me. While I’ve been playing with it and toying with the concept for a few months, it has been the past few days that I have really dug in and went to work to make it happen. Tonight, as I finally slow down, it hit me how intense I have been – how focused. It got me wondering how others focus on their online projects…
Right Brain/Left Brain (If I Only HAD a Brain)
Ok, sorry for the Wizard of Oz reference (but for the record, that little song used to be my ringtone on my phone…lol!), but the whole “left brain/right brain” concept is with me tonight. I’ve heard it said that when you are in your “left brain” you are in your analytical side, when you are in your “right brain”, you are more in your creative mode.
When I am focused, as I have been the past few days, it is like I am in BOTH brains….and oddly, it almost feels “brain-less”. Does that make any sense to you? It all just happens….it flows…and I love that!
Now, don’t get me wrong, I still have those moments when I go to type some content and my brain goes B-L-A-N-K and I can’t find the right wording to save my soul (ie, really “brain-less” moments), but for the most part it’s like I am automatically following some map that is in my head – and it all just comes together.
BUT…
There are some requirements for me to be able to work that way.
First, I have to be in that “mood” – ready to work, know what I want to work on (with “want” being the operative word).
Second, all other distractions have to go. Email, stats, other accounts…they all are closed out.
But in a weird way, when I get in this “mode”, there aren’t any distractions. I am THAT focused. Hours and hours go by and I barely realize it.
Does anyone else get this way?
Does Believing Help?
Do you find you focus better, work harder, and get more accomplished when you believe in what you are doing? I really believe what I am testing will work. Probably won’t be tomorrow, or even next month, but I really believe it will work. I can SEE it working and that drives me.
Would I be this intense and this excited to do this work if I didn’t believe in it? No, probably not…and distractions would be inevitable. When I’m not interested, even the idea of cleaning the bathroom becomes tempting…lol!
Believing.
At this point, it is highly possible that most of us have seen the Tony Robbins video with Frank Kern and John Reese. Personally, I loved that video (watched it 3 times) and yes, it also sold me on Tony’s new product that came out (I’m a big Tony Robbins fan anyway). In that video, Tony talks about how believing in what you’re doing has a major impact on your outcome and the effort you make along the way.
I think he’s right.
From the moment I started working online, I had this unexplainable belief in what I was trying to learn and trying to do. Why? Heck if I know! There was no reason for me to believe in it – I just did.
But, in a way, that made it “easy” for me to work hard, to make my mistakes, and keep moving forward. For me, there wasn’t an option but to keep finding every WRONG way so I could find even just one right way.
That realization got me to thinking tonight about how hard it would be to do this – and how easy it would be to give up – if I didn’t believe in what I was doing.
So, I ask you…
Do you think that believing in something really helps you focus better and work harder?
Or, do you think focus and hard work are just “work ethic” and it doesn’t matter if you believe in it or not?
Yes, I definitely think that your “belief” will help.
For eg: If you believe that article marketing will work and is able to give you an income, you will definitely write the articles and submit to directories, because you believe that one you do that, you will get X amount of money.
It’s like a formula – you do this, do that and you will get that.
People who don’t believe in something tends to take less actions
There is no doubt in my mind that believing that it will work plays a huge part. No doubt at all!
But believing is just not enough. Personally I need a detailed plan to follow to stay focused. If I don’t have a plan I’ll get distracted.
/Mikael
Hi Jennifer,
I enjoyed your post. This is exactly the way it is for me. I have to get a picture in my mind of the outcome I want first and then all the steps in between just “happen”.
If I don’t have that insight to begin with then trying to do anything is like walking through mud.
Whenever I get stuck when working on a project I just stop and think where do I want to end up next and then the path becomes clear and the steps I need to take are easy.
It’s like being in a subway and not having any idea of where to go. To get anywhere, you need to pick a station, find a map which tells you which train to get on and then get on it. Simple.
I guess belief comes into play in that you need to believe that the train will take you to the station you want. That’s why you look at the map or ask other people. Find others who are going where you want to go and get on the same train as them.
Yes, belief helps a lot when it comes to motivation for me. I first found out about making money online a few years back, and dabbled on and off for ages, but it’s only quite recently that I’ve begun to apply myself consistently. I think that before I didn’t fully believe it could work for me, so I wasn’t motivated to make the effort. What they say in the video about certainty is spot on – I think many people are held back by the prospect of working 12+ hour days for months on end and having nothing to show for it – and that could happen! It’s easier to develop that sense of certainty when you start getting some sales, but many never take the leap of faith required to get to that point, unfortunately. In that way, the people who just decide to work hard even if they don’t believe in it have the advantage, because they just push through those early weeks and months even if not much is happening.
Yes, when I get fired up on an idea like that — that feels “right” – I stay totally focused and almost obsessed until I can see it through to completion. Other times I flit from here to there! lol
Hey Jennifer!
I truly believe (*L*) that belief plays an enormous role in our work and in our success. That certainty that Tony, Frank and John talked about in the video is so much a driving force in the actions we take and the resulting outcome.
I like to think of belief as the ships rudder. It’s what keeps you on course and helps you to navigate the icebergs especially found in the internet marketing waters. Without belief in what we are doing – we have no certain direction.
Thanks for always making me think!
Blessings,
Frank
I have belief in what I’m doing thanks to you, Jennifer. The only time I feel like giving up is when I let doubt creep in, and then I just come and read some of your posts and I’m soon on the right track again!
Thanks for your inspiration,
Mary
Hey, Great post, and thanks for sharing the video, I love Tony Robbins also. Following through is a big thing, good for you for doing so well. You are a big inspiration. 🙂
Belief plays an important role in my life. I always have belief in my work. It give me confidence.
Great video. The one moment my life changed.
When will it happen to you?
I usually don’t have a problem staying on task, I just have a problem getting on task. Once I start working, I can keep at it. The problem is working up the motivation.
bowling news
Belief is a very important guide that helps me remain focused on the myriad of tasks required for building and growing an affiliate marketing portfolio.
Sorry for the repeat comment, it didn’t go thru the first time.
I think not only belief is necessary but a certain quality of belief. Not just “I think I can” (which I am often prey to) but “I know I can.”
I think you have to have the “belief” and that is part of the problem – keeping the belief going long enough to see some results!!
I also enjoyed the interview with John Reese and Frank Kern. In a subsequent interview he talked about how he set up a web site explaining the success of the product launch, about a week before the product was actually launched. Being superstitious as I am I would think this is a bad idea. But on second thought I can see how doing something like that can keep you focussed on reaching the goal.
yes absolutely! Belief in something definitely drives me to do something. I watched that Tony Robbins video a few times as well and it highlighted SO many important things including belief in oneself which sets off everything else in the cycle.
A big emphatic YES! I think EVERYTHING has to do with Belief. Almost in every teaching of success whether it is from theologians to quantum physics it’s all about belief. What is the most common thing you have heard throughout your life? “Believe in yourself and you can do anything” I believe if you see it in your mind…. You will see it manifest in your life. Guaranteed without exception! Great Post! It should give us all a reminder…. 🙂
hello very interesting article.i like the interview.in my opinion believing in something really helps to focus better and work harder.the base of every work is believe.thanks for sharing the post.
Personally, I make a list for myself. So each day I get what I need to get done
Being unfocused sometimes happen to me, especially when there are a lot of deadlines to meet.
well. of course, believing something can really help you in aiming something.. especially it can motivates you to get what yoiu want especially success you veen dreaming of. like me..i really want to earn money in online survey. thats why i believe i can answer a loty of question from my ideas.
Yes, when I get fired up on an idea like that — that feels “right” – I stay totally focused and almost obsessed until I can see it through to completion.