Quotes About Focus

1) Define a to-do list and (2) define a not-to-do list. In general terms, there are but two questions:

Parkinson's Law dictates that a task will swell in (perceived) importance and complexity in relation to the time allotted for its completion. It is the magic of the imminent deadline.

patterns, it's easy for me to lose focus, to succumb to distraction. The question that helps me return to the present is, simply, "Is what I am doing right now aligned with my life's calling?

Potencia tus habilidades en lugar de corregir tus debilidades

What 20% of sources are causing 80% of my problems and unhappiness? What 20% of sources are resulting in 80% of my desired outcome and happiness?

Still struggling with a sense of purpose or mission? Roughly half a dozen people in this book (e.g., Robert Rodriguez) have suggested the book Start with Why by Simon Sinek.

Falta de tiempo es falta de prioridades.

pero también es tener la sabiduría de dejar de explorar cuando encuentras algo en lo que vale la pena detenerse.

NR: To prevent work for work's sake, and to do the minimum necessary for maximum effect ("minimum effective load").

all information and interruptions that are irrelevant, unimportant, or unactionable.

If the commitment is to a long-term goal and not to a series of smaller intermediate goals, then only one decision needs to be made and adhered to. Clear, simple, straightforward. Much easier to maintain than having to make small decision after small decision to stay the course when dealing with each step along the way. This provides far too many opportunities to inadvertently drift from your chosen goal. The single decision is one of the most powerful tools in the toolbox.

frame the importance of the first 60 to 90 minutes of the day.

What are the top-three activities that I use to fill time to feel as though I've been productive?

It's okay to have a desire. But pick a big one and pick it carefully. Drop the small ones.

Being busy is not the same as being productive. In fact, being busy is a form of laziness -- lazy thinking and indiscriminate action.

Either you're in, or you're in the way." Often, we chase after people who aren't "in," who, for whatever reason, don't fit into our lives or our business. We waste time with these people when our focus should be on the people who are in.

Not-to-do lists are often more effective than to-do lists for upgrading performance. The reason is simple. What you don't do determines what you can do.

Es de lejos mucho más lucrativo y divertido aprovechar tus fortalezas en lugar de tratar de arreglar todos tus puntos débiles.

Put the Big Stones in First

If you can't define or act upon it, forget it.

how can I fill the bucket with the things that are really important to me?

You don't "succeed" because you have no weaknesses; you succeed because you find your unique strengths and focus on developing habits around them. . . . Everyone is fighting a battle [and has fought battles] you know nothing about. The heroes in this book are no different. Everyone struggles.

The player of the inner game comes to value the art of relaxed concentration above all other skills; he discovers the true basis for self-confidence; and he learns that the secret to winning any game lies in not trying too hard.

While people often say there's not enough time, remember that you'll always have less attention than time. Full attention is where you do your best work, and everyone's going to be looking to rip it from you. Protect and preserve it.