Finding Focus
As we inch closer to August, life is likely full. Squeezing in summer activities, vacations, preparing for school (if you have kids that age). At work, there is sometimes a summer lull where ideas abound with possibility, yet to-do lists are still full and time is finite.
How can we get the things done that must be done?
Have time to explore our interests and ideas?
How can we focus?
Be less overwhelmed?
Stop.
Yes. The way to get more done is to stop doing. Pause. Plan. Focus.
I think the best way for us to accomplish more both inside and outside of work is to slow down and plan it out. Decide where to focus. Decide what to drop. Consider the priorities. When we are busy, we feel slowing down will put us even further behind.
Ironically, stopping to plan will help us catch up.
The to-do list becomes organized and manageable. Ideas and other interests find space in the calendar. Sometimes we determine that now isn’t the right time for certain activities.
Today, consider taking a minute to slow down, create a plan, and see how you feel.
Posts This Week
Why Every Professional Needs a Personal User Manual. This post describes what a personal user manual is and provides ideas for creating one of your own.
When the Me-Suite Learns. This is an extension of a post last week on the Me-Suite. We can have internal conflict when it comes to learning. This post helps understand why & what to do about it.
Why Do You Want the Job? This post provides some perspective for taking a new role. While it’s great to be wanted for a position, we have to ask if it’s the right one for us.
Our Energy Enters First. Every time we enter a room, we bring our energy… and so does everyone else. This post reminds us of that and suggests that we consider what the room needs.
Clean For. We spend a lot of time cleaning up after events. This final post of the week flips the script and suggests we consider a different perspective.
Podcasts That Caught My Attention
This week, there are four podcasts that caught my attention. I don’t see a theme but hope at least one will meet you where you are right now.
I Read 50 Books Per Year. These Are The Only Ones You Need To Read To Be Successful. 36 minutes. The $100 MBA Show. In this episode the host summarizes the books that have stood out to him over the years in the areas of business, decision-making, relationships, and long-term success.
Stop Making Goals. Set Intentions Instead. 12 minutes. Optimal Living Daily. The title of this one summarizes the premise. I thought it was an interesting perspective on reframing where we want to focus our attention.
How to Create AI Skills: Build Reusable AI Workflows That Save Time. 24 minutes. The Digital Marketing Podcast. This episode talks about moving from AI prompts to skills. I liked the descriptions of prompts, skills, and projects.
How to Keep Trying. 27 minutes. The Next Big Idea Daily. This episode covers two books. The first is How to Try Again: An Approachable Guide to Navigating Chaos and Making Change THAT STICKS by Steve Kamb. The second is The Choice Point: The Scientifically Proven Method to Push Past Mental Walls and Achieve Your Goals by Jonathan Rhodes and Joanna Grover.
What Do You Think?
Do you find that slowing down helps you speed up?
Have you ever created a personal user manual?
What ideas did the posts & podcasts spark that you could implement in the week ahead?
Marketing Newsletter
If you are interested in marketing content, check out the Fingerprints Marketing newsletter (published weekly). There, I share what I’m learning and thinking about in the world of branding, loyalty, digital marketing, CRM, and more.