How to Prioritize if You Have Trouble Focusing

How to Focus on Priorities

A lack of focus can interfere with figuring out your priorities. Devote time to the activities that matter most to you by concentrating on your top priorities. The following strategies will teach you how to prioritize like a pro in no time.

Benefits of Creating Priorities

Priorities simplify decision making.
Smart choices seem automatic when you can identify which tasks are urgent and where your efforts will have the most impact. You’ll act deliberately instead of drifting from one dilemma to the next.

Priorities help you accomplish more.
Distinguish between doing more and achieving more. Know your purpose and allocate your resources accordingly. Prioritizing enables you to work more productively and divide your time more effectively.

Priorities reduce your stress

Imagine your peace of mind when you stop feeling like you have too little time and too much to do. Accept your limits and take satisfaction in doing your best. Your confidence will keep growing as you enjoy the results of your new sense of direction.

Here are 10 techniques for Creating Priorities

1. Create daily rituals.

Keep important commitments on the front burner by carving out a specific time for them each day. Create a morning routine that includes exercise, meditation, and gratitude. Establish time with the kids to read to them each day before they go to bed. Take 30 minutes each night review your day, read, and plan your next day. By creating daily habits of each of these important tasks you no longer have to think about them and your priorities are automatically taken care of.

2. Start off strong.

Create momentum that will drive you forward all day long. Score a quick win when you go for a morning run or meditate while it’s still quiet. You’ll feel accomplished and ready to take on the rest of your day.

3. Unplug

Limit the time you spend online, making calls, and watching TV. Rediscover face-to-face communications and the beauty of nature. By spending less time in front of a screen you’ll have more time to discover new hobbies, new friends, and new adventures.

4. Take breaks.

Downtime restores your ability to concentrate. By giving your brain a chance to rejuvenate and relax your mind will be fresh with new ideas and strategies to tackle your challenges and make plans to accomplish your goals.

5. Organize your day.

Plan your time with your priorities in mind. You’ll be less likely to become sidetracked by external pressures and distractions. A good time to do this is to plan the night before so you don’t have to think about what you need to do in the morning, you can just begin motivated and focused.

6. Shorten your to-do list.

Weed out the non-essential items in your daily activities and learn to say no. You can also decide which tasks require excellence and which can be considered good enough if you complete them on time. Remember that done is better than perfect.

7. Estimate value.

If you tend to regard everything as being equally important, look closer. Think of your life as a business and ask yourself how profitable each activity is. The simple things like playing with your dog may make you happier than buying expensive stuff.

8. Use comparisons.

Weighing one option against another clarifies their advantages and disadvantages. Going back to school or renovating an old house may both sound appealing, but you’ll have to figure out which one is more worthwhile. Then again, maybe you can tackle both if you figure out which to do first. The important thing is to realize and accept that you can’t do everything right now.

9. Delegate

We all accomplish more working together. Be sure to practice delegating at the office and at home. You can divide up complex projects so everyone can draw on their individual strengths. This will give you more time to focus on the things that are important to you rather than be weighed down by a laundry to-do list.

10. Write it down.

Whether you rely on modern technology or a paper journal, putting your priorities into writing will help you stay on track. You’ll be able to monitor your progress and spot any obstacles you need to overcome. It will also make you more accountable.

Direct your energy and attention to activities that align with your goals. Prioritization is a skill that will help you find more time for the things you love. Enjoy a more meaningful life, starting today, by setting priorities!

Here’s to living the life you LOVE!