4. Set Goals
I believe goals are important. The mind will
not focus until it has clear
objectives. But the purpose of goals is to focus your attention and give you
direction, not to identify a final destination. As you think about your goals, note
that they should be
Clear enough to be kept in focus
Close enough to be achieved
Helpful enough to change lives
Those guidelines will get you going. And be sure to write down your goals. If
they’re not written, I can almost guarantee that they’re not focused enough. And
if you
really
want to make sure they’re focused,
take the advice of David
Belasco, who says, “If you can’t write your idea
on the back of my business
card, you don’t have a clear idea.”
Even if you look back years from now and think your goals were too small,
they will have served their purpose—if they provide you with direction.
5. Question Your Progress
Take a good look at yourself from time to time to see whether you are actually
making progress. That is the most accurate measure of whether you are making
the best use of focused thinking. Ask yourself, “Am
I seeing a return for my
investment of focused thinking time? Is what I am doing getting me closer to my
goals? Am I headed in a direction that helps me to fulfill my commitments,
maintain my priorities, and realize my dreams?”
