I am very good in defining the "what"/ Vision. I am equally excited to convert the 'what' to 'how'. I am totally focussed and engrossed till I figure out the 'how'. Once done, I lose steam. I struggle to turn up every day to make it happen. I am not able to hold my attention on the things to do. I start to postpone things to the last moment. I seem to work productively only if there is a deadline looming. What can I do to keep my focus till the finish line?
~ CXO, Tech ScaleupHolding focus and persevering till the finish line is becoming harder these days due to
Proliferation of information
Fast paced life
Time boundaries
Hyper achiever tendencies
Low attention span
It's no wonder we are not able to focus and take things to the finish line.
Throughout the day, the mind wavers and jumps from one task to another and there is a mad rush to finish things. In all this effectiveness is lost.
How to Master the Wavering Mind to reach the finish line?
The key thing to note is that mind is with you always - not just at work.
So mastering your mind may not just involve your work persona - it involves your whole person, your day-to-day habits, your physical health and your mental strength.
In the book, the Self discipline blueprint, Patrik Edblad talks about the below to achieve overall self discipline (including work). Even though they look very simple, your wavering mind responds to them in ways that you will be surprised to discover.
Fundamentals (Sleep, Nutrition, Physical activity/movement, Mindfulness)
Our mind is highly influenced by the body and vice-versa.
Our body needs good food, on time, physical activity and rest (including for the mind). Depriving it of the above because you think you are focussing on your work is like cheating oneself. If you find your mind wavering, the first thing is to check how are you doing on these fundamentals.
How healthy and fresh do you feel every morning?
2. Your "Why"
Your reason to do what you are doing is a good internal motivator.
It keeps you to stay the course when everything around you is falling apart.
Find your why. Find what makes it worthy to stick till the finish line.
3. Growth mindset
Growth mindset is the belief that you can learn what it takes to get to the point you desire.
Growth mindset assumes failure is one step (and an integral part) in the overall journey and is not the only step. Between thought and reality, there is consistent action.
It helps you ward off self doubt, imposter syndrome and anything that comes in the way of your perseverance.
What helps you stay the course?