Don’t focus on what you want. Concentrate on what you do.
- Learn from the past.
- Glance at the future.
- Concentrate on present action.
Long-term goals are good for direction, not daily practices.
The Stairs
I decided to increase my physical activity. My daily focus is doubling my use of the stairs. When I reach my office, I immediately go back up and down again. Sometimes I do it three or four times. I keep track of my trips on a pad at the bottom of the steps.
Don’t focus on winning. Develop daily habits that contribute to winning.
Reject the seduction of results. Commit to daily actions.
Don’ts of Focus
Don’t obsess about getting promoted. Embrace daily attitudes and activities that earn promotions.
Don’t concentrate on living a fruitful life. Practice life-giving habits.
Dreams frustrate until they distill into daily habits.
An Example
“Sweep the path” when your goal is servant leadership.
Daily habit: Perform a “Friction Audit.” Once a day, eliminate something that holds people back. In meetings, ask, “What makes work harder than it needs to be?”
Behaviors make intangible goals visible.
What daily ritual serves you well?
7 Advantages of Uncertainty That Leaders Maximize Everyday
Read: Atomic Habits
