Focus on 4 Things Before Breakfast
The worst thing you do in the morning is let your thoughts run free. A butterfly-brain lands in dark places.
Hard work without direction leads to disaster. Start the day with focus. Butterflies aren’t leaders. Scattered people run in circles.
Focus on 4 Things Before Breakfast
#1. Make A “To-Don’t” List
It’s easier to know what you don’t want. List three things you refuse to do today—include unproductive attitudes and habits.
#2. Set Your Priorities
List up to three tasks that matter today. Circle one priority. Decide: How much time will you invest in it?
“If you have more than three priorities, you don’t have any.” Jim Collins
#3. Empower Crucial Contributors
Who needs to make powerful contributions today? Send them an encouraging text. “I’m thankful that you’re leading [project/team]. I appreciate your [character trait/behavior].”
#4. Delegate Strategically
Spend more time thinking, “Who should do this?” Stop asking, “What can I do?” Don’t delegate your core work. Don’t do other people’s jobs for them.
Ask yourself: What am I doing that someone else should own?
Action Items:
- Write your “To-Don’t” list before checking email.
- Block time on your calendar for your top priority.
- Send one encouraging message before breakfast.
- Choose one responsibility to delegate today.
How can leaders find focus before breakfast?
20 Useful Ways to Create Focus Today
Why Leaders Need a Triple Focus
Now, there’s good advice: focus by elimination, prioritising and encouraging others
Where do I buy the discipline to do this every day!
For some, discipline follows the pain of not doing this kind of stuff.
Maybe get a cup of coffee, experience solitude and silence, worship or meditate or both, do some spiritually profitable reading, keep a note pad handy to write down something coming up in the day (write it down to come back to later), be at peace with yourself and God. This time of quietness with God is the best preparation for my day.
I heard Ken Blanchard say, “Start the day slowly.” We have a spirit that needs care.
Dan great post. I often tell people about the Rule of Three which is if three different people suggest the same path or next step you really need to consider it. But I really like your idea that 3 is the most things to focus on. And I had never heard of a to-don’t list but it is a powerful way to avoid repeating yourself with no better results.
Brad
Thanks for your rule of 3, Brad. It’s helpful.
It’s funny, but there was a time when the work priority meant ONE THING. Maybe we need to get back to that.
I also really like checking in the night before. No nasty surprises, you have a clear plan in your mind of the day ahead, and you prioritise them. That way you hit the ground running, with intention, without getting lost in your inbox.
A great day begins at night. 🙂
This is a great post, whether you prep your day the night before or in the first quiet moments of the work day. I couldn’t agree more with Dale – I begin each day with prayer – with God – and then will definitely be implementing this Focus on 4. Thank you Dan!