Chase One Rabbit

This came from Dr Stephanie Houseman’s weekly ezine which arrives every Tuesday morning (I could learn something there). Subscribe here.

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!