If you’re like most leaders, you have different goals that you’re trying to reach—some of them short-term, others long-term. Of course, it’s the long-term goals that can be the most challenging, the most draining. You have them in the back of your mind each day, yet it can feel like you’re not really making progress. Even when you work hard at meeting these goals, it can feel like nothing’s really changing, or that you’ll never be able to cross it off your to-do list.
This can breed all sorts of problems—burnout, self-doubt, and loss of focus. Staying motivated is imperative, but it doesn’t come easy. That’s why great leaders need to actively pursue focus, and to cultivate habits that keep them on track toward meeting those far-off goals.
Staying Focused on Long-Term Goals
Let me offer a few suggestions.
Maintain a big-picture mentality. Keep your eyes on the prize. Don’t let the day-to-day stuff swamp you, and distract from the big thing you’re trying to accomplish. Have your long-term goals written down, clearly articulated, and somewhere where you can remind yourself as often as you need to of what you’re really trying to do.
Make sure you’re receiving support. This may seem a little soft, but it’s something I’m serious about: You need people in your life who will encourage you and speak words of positivity into your life. Have mentors who you can go to with questions. Have friends to whom you can vent. And have team members you can trust to brainstorm with you.
Ask for help when you need it! There’s nothing wrong with asking for a hand, or a second set of eyes, when a problem is really stumping you. In fact, just expressing your struggle to someone can make you feel a lot better about it.
Know what inspires you. What are the things that really recharge your batteries, and get you excited about life? Books? Movies? Hikes? Time spent with family? Know what it is that turns you on, and reconnect with that inspiration often.
Have an outlet. Likewise, make sure you have a way to get your mind off of your work for a few minutes, and allow your body a chance to re-energize; a creative hobby can be great, or simply daily exercise.
Do something for someone else. Finally, if you’re finding yourself feeling bogged down in your work, I recommend shifting your focus to the needs of others from time to time. Volunteer. Mentor. Do something good for someone else. You’ll be amazed at how it reinvigorates you!
You can meet your long-term goals—and you can do it by maintaining focus and energy. Utilize these tips to help you do so!
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