March 3, 2009

Chasing Two or More Rabbits is Detrimental to Your Success   "If you chase two rabbits both will escape," says the Chinese proverb.   "Often he who does too much, does too little," says the Italian proverb.   "Chase one rabbit and you just might succeed," says the Dr. Stephanie proverb.   Seriously, who are you kidding?  Focusing on too many things at once is detrimental to your success.  When you scatter your energy amongst an array of projects because you are bombarded with the allure of MORE, you lose. It is just about impossible to do all things well and in a timely fashion.      So much for balance!   However, when you focus and concentrate on one thing, especially when that one thing is of highest priority for you, you will unlock the keys to your success, both personally and professionally.    Focus equals power!   My question to you is this: "If you can only finish one task today (or this week, month, etc), what would it be?"   Once you answer that question and are ready to focus on that one thing, follow these tips to enhance your concentration:   Create a no-distraction zone.  Close the door, turn off the radio and TV, shut down your e-mail, and hang out the "Do Not Disturb" sign.  If you are at home with the children, make sure they are focused on their own thing. No multi-tasking!  Remember, your mission is to accomplish this one thing.  No more, no less. You will concentrate better in a de-cluttered work space. Divide the task into time blocks.  Tell yourself you will work for one hour (set a timer) and then take a break for ten minutes. Before you take that break, though, work 5 more minutes. Come up for air, and then get back to work. If your mind wanders from the task at hand to another, have a scratch pad nearby.  Write down your ideas, brainstorms, etc. so you don't forget them, and then refocus on the prioritized task. Keep your eye on the prize - the completed task. What's in it for you when you finish? Drink plenty of water so you remain hydrated. Avoid high carb foods and sugar which will cause your blood sugar to spike - OK in the short run, but then you'll crash, and lose focus. Chew gum!  Research has shown that the act of chewing gum increases blood flow to the brain by about 25-40 percent.  (Journal of Stomatological Society 2001 and Psychological Science 2006)  Moreover, according to research by Wrigley, chewing gum can increase attention and alertness, help relieve daily stress, and improve mood. Stop procrastinating.  If this is such a high priority task, just get it done.  NOW.   As nighttime approaches, take a look at the rabbit(s) you chased for the day.  What did you accomplish?  Was it of the highest priority?  Did you focus on what really matters to YOU?  What's next?   Chase one rabbit, and you just might succeed!     "The best advice I ever came across on the subject of concentration is: Wherever you are, be there.  When you work, work.  When you play, play.  Don't mix the two."             Jim Rohn   "Concentration is the master key to all success. It is the fundamental law of achievement.  The man who does not concentrate will be either a half success, a mediocrity or a complete failure."             Orison Swett Marden   "Focused mind power is one of the strongest forces on earth."             Mark Victor Hansen   "Concentrate all your thoughts on the work at hand.  The sun's rays do not burn until brought to a focus."             Alexander Graham Bell     You'll be amazed at what you can accomplish when you focus on that one thing highest on your priority list.  Just ask my friend Melinda of Hycomb Marketing (for dentists).  She dusted off a marketing book started years ago with the intent to update and complete the book.  The time was now.  It was her one rabbit.  The book was completed within a few short months, and I'll keep you posted on its release date.   My time is now to focus on several speaking engagements I have coming up.  My travel schedule has been crazy, with the Yankee convention, the cruise, and last week at the Chicago Mid-Winter Dental Meeting.  One more trip this week to Austin Texas for theAcademyofDental Practice Administration's meeting, and then home to focus, one rabbit at a time .  Have a fantastic week and chase one rabbit.   Stephanie     We grow by "word-of-email" so please feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone whom you think might benefit from and enjoy it. Thanks so much! Contact Us: stephanie@7steps2abalancedlife.com