Daily interruptions are inevitable. Acting on a fear of missing out, we allow the beeps, dings and vibrations to interject, to assure us that we’re connected, and subconsciously we tell ourselves that that constant connection has no impact on the amount of work we can accomplish. But, in reality, we’re so bombarded with outside noise, it becomes almost impossible to avoid—and our productivity suffers because of it. It takes a real effort—a conscious choice—to separate ourselves from that mindset. But when you adopt and practice the disciplines of high achievers, you will be better equipped to set goals and go get them, without losing focus or direction.
“Success is nothing more than a few simple disciplines, practiced every day.”
– Jim Rohn
Believe. Most of us think about doing great things. The difference between the average person and the high achiever is a commitment to belief—because possessing the unqualified belief that you are capable of doing something is the first step to achieving it. When you commit, really commit to a choice, then everything else will fall into place to make it happen for you. Your decisions will be guided by your mindset.
Eliminate Interruptions. The world around you is structured to interrupt you. If you already struggle with focus, you are fighting a losing battle from the moment you wake. If you are normally a focused person but don’t control your environment, your day will become a series of interruptions. You need to turn off everything that could attract your attention. Everything. Learn to be comfortable with silence and focus. The quality of your work will drastically increase and you will be more productive, and the depth of your thinking will increase because you will have long periods to dedicate to your thoughts.
Time Management. Some might say time management is a myth because we have no control over time—it marches on with or without you. But you should consider the limited amount of time you have to get things done. Be stingy with your time. Protect it.
Be Healthy. If your body is not capable of handling your goals, you will become physically and mentally exhausted. To keep yourself healthy and ready to achieve your goals, you need to allocate regular, recurring time in your calendar to take care of your body. Exercise, done correctly, trains your muscles, heart and lungs to withstand larger levels of stress. So if your body is used to the stress from regular exercise, it will have an easier time managing the stress in other areas of your life. The better you are at managing your stress and energy, the better you will be at accomplishing the goals you have set for yourself.