Jim’s Thoughts for Staying On Task

Too often we get distracted or feel overwhelmed when we attend to an unpleasant task or too many tasks. We tend to run out of time, lose interest, partially attend to the task or feel overwhelmed , especially if someone else is dictating your activity.

I say if you are passionate about the task or tasks that are set before you, there is a greater chance you will conquer it.  Passion and declaration of intent may not always suffice when our natural tendency to avoid unpleasant activity, seek out distractions, feel overwhelmed or procrastinate kicks in.

Then, you will likely need;

• An understanding of how important your task is and the value of the outcome to you.

• A reality check. Is this an attainable goal and am I ready and willing to put forth the effort needed?

• A plan of action. Identify the necessary steps. Keep them small and manageable.

• Consistent and persistent mindful thought and attention towards the goal.

• Periodic review of progress made or lack of progress. Keep a daily or weekly success log.

• A target date for task completion.

• Support from those who champion your success.

• Help when you hit a wall or begin to lose momentum.

  Make the effort to identify the passion and value for you. We seldom commit much time and effort to things that don’t stir our coffee or hold little value for us. Sometimes the value may simply be, keeping your job, passing a class, pleasing your partner, avoiding a painful penalty, not feeling anxious or feeling satisfied and successful.