Now that we are in the middle of March and almost close to the end of the first quarter of the new year, I figure it is time to revisit goals.  In another blog, I shared that only 3% of individuals set goals and intentionally work to accomplish them.  For those of us who now have clarity around what our purpose is ( if you are unclear about your purpose, I encourage you to take the course, Uncluttered: How to Discover Your Purpose through Your Life Story), that is half the battle.  Now, having effective systems in place is needed for you to realize your purpose.

So, you also need to learn to be focused on purpose in a world with many distractions.  I want to introduce you to a book written by Michael Hyatt, entitled Free to Focus: A Total Productivity System to Achieve More By Doing Less that can help you focus on purpose in a systematic and productive way.

Highlights from the Book

Hyatt builds his free to focus model using the following steps:

Step 1: STOP

• Formulate: Decide What Your Want
• Evaluate: Determine Your Course
• Rejuvenate: Reenergize Your Mind

Step 2: CUT

• Eliminate: Flex Your “No” Muscle
• Automate: Subtract Yourself from the Equation
• Delegate: Clone Yourself – or Better

Step 3: ACT

• Consolidate: Plan Your Ideal Week
• Designate: Prioritize Your Tasks
• Activate: Beat Interruptions and Distractions

Every step Hyatt has noted is critical; however, to drive you quickly to the path of transformation, I want to elaborate on step 3 of the path. More specifically, the “consolidate plan your ideal week” section.  

Consolidate: Plan Your Ideal Week

This has helped me tremendously as I work to achieve my goals with massive execution. Hyatt recommends dividing time across the following categories:

Front Stage Work: This is the task for which you have been hired to do. This is where you deliver results in your professional role. Hyatt says it best: “…Front Stage work enables you to fulfill your work-related calling.” [1] Also, Hyatt, notes, “The key functions of your job should intersect with where you’re the most passionate and proficient.” [2]

Back Stage Work: Back Stage work is what enables you to shine on the front stage. This is where you put the prep work in. The practice. The training. The maintenance and the sharpening of skills lead to mastery. You must factor in your schedule backstage work what helps you to maximize your purpose.

Off Stage Work:  Off Stage work is a non-working time where you carve out time to devote to activities that energize you such as engaging family, friends, relaxation, and rest.  Fulfilling your purpose does not mean that you do so at the expense of things that matter to you the most. You can fulfill your purpose AND have a balanced and fruitful life.

You can access Free To Focus Tools here. What’s holding you back from focusing on purpose? 

[1] Hyatt, M. (2019). Free to Focus: A Total Productivity System to Achieve More by Doing Less (Illustrated ed.). Baker Books.

[2] Ibid.