Focus, Discipline, and Consistency - my three goals for 2017
Happy New Year!
I didn't make any resolutions for 2016, and I still won't make any for 2017.
What I'm going to do is be as focused, disciplined, and consistent as I possibly can in everything that I do.
Let's see what I mean.
Focus
I want to be more focused on both a macro and micro level.
On a macro level, I want to do fewer things, better.
That's why I stopped producing my podcast. As much as I loved interviewing entrepreneurs every week, the podcast wasn't getting me closer to my goal of launching and growing a successful startup.
So the time and mindshare that was spent on producing the podcast are now dedicated to working on my startup (more about my startup at a later time).
I'm still going to be involved with Startup Weekend, but I'll limit my time on that as well.
On a micro level, I want to increase my focus on the task at hand, whether said task is for work or personal life.
When I'm working, I will minimize distractions from email, social media, and any other interruptions that come my way. I'll dedicate specific times to check my email and limit my time on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media.
On the personal side, I just want to be more present in everything I do. For example, if I'm hanging out with my daughter, I'll truly focus my attention on her instead of checking my phone every 10 minutes. I'll concentrate on the people I'm with and the task at hand. It sounds simple, but in today's world of technology all around us, I need to make that conscious effort to stay focused.
Focus is so crucial, and I aim to be more intentional about it in everything that I do.
Discipline
I'm going to work hard at being disciplined with my time and energy.
To do so, I'm going to schedule everything. All of my work tasks will be inputted into my calendar and assigned a specific time allotment. This will help me avoid Parkinson's Law - where work will expand to fill the time available for its completion.
I'm also going to be more disciplined in my diet and exercise regimen. Vicky and I are starting our ketosis diet again, and I aim to exercise at least a little bit every day, whether that's an hour at the gym or 15 minutes of push-ups and sit-ups.
Consistency
Finally, I'll work hard to create a consistent cadence in everything I do.
On the work front, I'll do a little bit every day to achieve my long term goals.
This might mean writing every day to consistently create blog posts for my role at Thorn Technologies, working on small tasks each night on my startup, or perform targeted engagement every day on social media sites.
In my personal life, this might mean working on a home project each week or being consistent in cleaning up the house.
Consistency is critical if you want to constantly get better and improve.
Conclusion
Focus, discipline, and consistency are my three goals for 2017 and beyond.
They're not mutually exclusive, either.
It takes lots of focus to be disciplined, and lots of discipline to be focused and consistent.
If I can increase my focus, discipline, and consistency, 2017 is going to be my most productive year yet. And I believe I'll improve my skills and relationships as well.
Let's see how this goes!
What are your resolutions for 2017? Do you have enough focus, discipline, and consistency in all you do?
I'd love to hear from you. Write your thoughts in the comments, tweet at me @mikewchan, or email me at mike@mikewchan.com.