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Maintaining focus is a huge struggle. And even when you think you’ve got it nailed, lack of focus returns – sneaking back up on you stealthily. And it’s exactly at the point when you’re struggling to focus that your self-discipline and best intentions tend to desert you. Whatever you use to get clarity again, it has to be simple, straightforward and downright easy to use.
Sometimes managing or starting a business can be daunting, it can help to explore your ideas on paper using the following technique to tap into your creative development.
Here’s a technique I use when I can’t see the wood from the trees. It’s one of those things that’s simultaneously stupidly simple and totally profound. I hope you enjoy it. All you need is a pen and a large sheet of paper – flipchart or larger.
(Some advocates of this exercise prefer ‘Move Towards’ and ‘Move Away From’ – use whichever one seems to make more sense to you.)
On the ‘More Of’ side, write down the things that you want more of in your life – or that you want to move towards. Better ways of doing things, new ways of working, things you want to spend more time on, or that redress the balance in your life in a positive way.
On the ‘Less Of’ side, write down things that you want to get rid of or move away from – things that sap your energy, that no longer float your boat, bits of redundant attitude, or things (or maybe people) that distract you.
I’m sure you’ve got the idea by now – it’s important to work quickly and intuitively – listen to the inner voice that sometimes is a bit reluctant to speak up. The ‘More Of’/’Move Towards’ side will tell you what you need to focus on.
Pete is a writer, business coach and author of the book, Make Your Creativity Pay, available via all good book sellers or as a PDF eBook from Greatvine for just £4.99.
For individual creative development advice to for help starting your own business you can speak to him via his Greatvine profile.
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