There’s a lot of talk about goals, getting started, and making things happen…

The number one enemy of achievement is probably the inability to focus…Or should I say, the strong ability to get distracted easily.

I’ve written plenty about productivity tools, time management tips, and “life hacks” in the past. You can read that stuff here.

This is more about the “bigger picture” of focusing on your goals…

Because the person who can delay instant gratification and intensely focus for the long run…

Wins.

So, if you feel like you’re not following through on your goals and procrastinating on important things, this post will serve you a good reminder for focus.

First, let’s get clear on one thing:

You’re not lazy, but your brain is.

Your brain prefers to do what is easy, and for that reason alone, most people never leave the comfort zone and take action on what’s most important to them.  One study even showed that we avoid what we enjoy most…

The brain prefers to be lazy—simply “reacting” to the stimuli coming its way.

When you’re living reactively, you are basically on cruise control. Reactive living is the opposite of control.

You see a cat video on Facebook, and you’re all about it. Excellent stimuli for the brain.

You see a goal that can change your life forever — and you run away.

Hard work and focus?

Your brain says, “RUN!!!”

So with that understanding of the lazy and self-sabotaging nature of the brain, we must get on the “offensive” about our goals.

Just remember:

When you’re uncomfortable, that’s when you know you’re in the ‘growth zone’ and doing something right.

Now…

Here are three ways to focus on your long term goals:

1. Block Distractions

When you sit down to work, don’t play.

Work from an environment conducive to focus. Remove all distracting stimuli.

Disable email notifications.

Use an app like SelfControl to block out distracting sites.

Neil has his assistant lock his phone away when he gets to work. You should too.

2. Stay Calm (and healthy)

Plenty of research out there concludes that staying calm is the key to achieving clarity and making important decisions.

Stress lowers our immune system and has a negative effect on the prefrontal cortex—the part of the brain controls our ability to be rational.

Stress makes you behave irrationally, perform at lower levels, and make bad decisions.

This is why nearly every top-performer has some kind of meditation ritual…

Or at least that’s what Tim Ferriss says in his new book.  Neil’s section is on page 347.

If you’re new to the world of meditation, I recommend the 10-day beginner challenge offered for free by HeadSpace.

3. Keep Your Goals In Mind

With every decision you make, think about the big picture and your five-year plan—download it, print it, and post it in a place where you will see it every day.

Thinking about your long term goals and future puts meaning behind every decision you make now, in the present.

Just ask yourself:

Where is this action leading?

Is it taking me closer to my vision?

Or am I “reacting” out of fear or distraction?

4.  Be laser-focused.

And anytime you feel yourself veering off-course, do what Neil does and say the words, “let’s be laser-focused.”

 

While Neil is writing books, Richard Arthur is busy sharing his latest knowledge with readers. If you want to be on the inside, and learn the latest tools and techniques we are using here to improve our lives and the lives of others, then you’ll want to be part of this limited email distribution list. Click here while we’re still doing this.