So, remember when we thought that 2021 would usher in some sort of blissful end to 2020? 
Well, we’re still here.
We’re still in a mess.
People are still feeling superior to those who think even SLIGHTLY different than they do.
Still judging,
still searching for answers,
still wondering what’s true and when the other side will finally realize it. 
Still worrying about what’s next
Still trying to do their own due diligence in terms of research,
Still arguing with each other without EVER hearing what the other person says..
You know, because when you’re RIGHT and they’re wrong…
why listen?
My point is two fold
:
1) nothing has changed and
2) nothing WILL change unless you change yourself, YOUR consistent behaviors and routines and how you show up in this world.
The first thing that won’t change is your purpose. So, if you came INTO 2021 focused on your purpose work, your soul work… NO circumstance can change that. No chaos or confusion or acrimony can RELIEVE you of the responsibility that is YOURS to bring your purpose into full fruition.
So, here are 5 practical ways to stay RELENTLESSLY focused in 2021…
PUT YOUR AGENDA FIRST.
My morning consists of prayer, reading my Bible, connecting with my Mister, journaling, writing and moving my body. (Right now i’m on that 7 minutes per day app…which I am loving.)
Yes, these others things matter,
the stuff going on in the world,
but YOUR WORK
and who you are being
and how you are showing up….
ALL of these things matter TOO.
Don’t shrug off YOUR most important work. Do it first.
LIMIT WHERE YOU ARE ONLY A SPECTATOR.
I don’t LOVE the sidelines unless you’re talking about cheering my kids on. Otherwise, I greatly prefer to spend time IN the arena itself, taking action that matters and affecting change.
If you realize you are spending too much time in the stands and not enough time on the SAND of the arena, woman.. you’re off purpose. You’re squandering time. Stop it. What is YOUR next right action to take?
WRITE DOWN THE DISTRACTION.
I am RARELY without paper and pen. I even have a desk made out of whiteboard material so if I HAPPEN to hop on a call without a paper and pen, I can still write.
It helps me stay focused if I write down the distracting thought or idea or action item…. so that I can let it go without worrying if I’m going to forget! 
This is how I stay focused even though I have such an active mind. It’s the same principle of writing down things at night before bed so you sleep better.
JOURNAL AT THE START OF EVERY DAY.
This is another tool that allows me to mind dump before the day really begins. This reduces distracting ideas and to-do-list items from popping up when you’re working.
CREATE A PRODUCTIVE SPACE TO WORK IN.
Currently, I’m working on the couch. On either side of me is a snoring dog. My fire is roaring and I hear the gentle humm of my fridge behind me.
BUT I also have my phone on do not disturb, and NEVER take un-scheduled phone calls. I do not have my text message notifications on EVER (unless I’m traveling.) and currently have the house to myself. (A rarity these days… which means most days I am in my actual official office, which I love but not as much as I love this little cozy set up.)
The key is that every aspect of my workplace is deliberately curated. It’s cozy, relaxing and inspiring AND I have things in place to limit distraction.
I know most of this is nothing new…
but that’s the point.
This is a new year,
with new challenges,
louder distractions,
and more people telling us MORE things we must consider, be outraged by or be fearful of…
but it’s the same old you.
Focus is the same old thing.
And it is STILL possible.
And it STILL works.
So, what are YOU doing to stay focused this year?
