This is the first in series of posts C.A.R. is hosting to inspire REALTORS® to enhance their businesses in the New Year. If you would like to submit a piece, e-mail editor@chicagorealtor.com.

Improving focus to achieve desired workplace results

Deborah D. Sakelaris, Professional Certified Life Coach, Rodas Coaching, LLCEven the world’s greatest plan can be wiped out in a matter of minutes. Low focus, little concentrated effort and no follow-up are all it takes for great plans to crash and burn.

Every day we are presented with many concentration “escape routes.” Following even a few of these tempting distractions can drain our attention, energy and effort, cutting our results to little or nothing, despite great intentions.

What can you do to improve your focus and achieve maximum impact from the time and energy you invest at work? These tips can help:

1. Keep your desired outcome in front of you. For some, keeping an eye on their “outcome” means creating and posting a graphic version of their visions, values, action plans and measures. For others, a simple but compelling mission statement, clear measure of action and defined target results can promote concentration, no matter what the circumstances.

2. Break big tasks down into 30-minute time periods. Think of a hammer and chisel's power of simple, consistent, concentrated action. Henry Ford once said, "Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs." Break an important goal into clear, achievable chunks of action.

3. Actively reduce distractions. Declare an e-mail, Internet or cell phone-free zone, or time period. Reduce attention fly-bys. Keep your eye on the real action, the path, the process, the prize.

4. Clean up your desk. That doesn’t mean having an empty desk, it just means having neat stacks of paper, all filed in the correct location. It also helps tremendously to have all the things you need within arm’s reach. For example, if you need a place to write, having your pen and notepad easily accessible is incredibly useful.

An unfocused mind is an unchallenged mind. Plan your days to stay focused and challenged and achieve the results you desire.

Deborah D. Sakelaris

Professional Life Coach

Rodas Coaching, LLC
200 S. Wacker
Suite 725
Chicago, IL 60606
312-798-7404