Focusing takes GRIT

Have you heard about GRIT? New research has shown that GRIT is responsible for kids to get better grades and for Leaders to become stronger. GRIT is also what it takes to get really good at being productive. 

To be productive you must learn to focus long term

Anyone can focus for a second or two. Heck we can focus on a task for a few minutes fairly easily, as long as we aren't interrupted. But how do you focus on something for longer than that? Sure shutting the door helps. Reducing outside distractions is important. I love headphones for that. But the interruptions still come. They still hit us. Again, and again and again.

Distractions pummel us

Just like pounding rain on you as you run to your car or someone winging a ball at you in a game of dodgeball, distractions at the office are ruthless. Someone interrupts. The phone rings. You hear a conversation that you wish you hadn't because now, you should probably go intervene. 
Before you know it, you are way off track.

Here is what works for me. 

1) Decide - Just decide to focus. You simply have to decide that you will focus. I learned a long time ago that if I decide ahead of time, how many reps I will lift, how much I will spend or how far I will go, that is exactly what I do. But I can't be wishy washy about it. At back to school time I said "I'm only going to spend about $100 on a pair of runners" for my daughter. Instead it became closer to $140 because I was not firm.

2) Time it - Do it for a set period of time. When I go on a cleanse or when I fast, I am more effective if am clear on the length of time I will commit to it. If just decided to try intermittent fasting for a bit, I fail every time. If I decide, I am committing for a month, it's way easier.

When it comes to doing a task for my business, like writing, editing, creating, or even email, I often use Pomodoro Technique.  I decide how long I want to focus for, usually 20 minute segments, and set a timer for that. Then I get down to business. 

WORK WITH TIME - NOT AGAINST IT Try Pomodoro Technique http://pomodorotechnique.com/

To get through the distractions, get gritty

If only it were that easy. The truth is, it takes what Angela Duckworth calls GRIT.  I have to dig my heels in. I need to be determined. I must be firm with someone who comes to my door to talk to me by saying "not now". I have to be persistent in sticking at it. Sometimes it requires a high level of will power. Actually, most days it does! I in fact, have to be a Women with Grit.

Decide, be determined, get focused, and be productive

Setting your mind to completing a task can go a long way to getting it done. Decide what it is you need to complete, in what time frame, and get going.

Watch below for more about getting focused.