“Don’t sweat the small stuff.” Richard Carlson

It’s very easy to get distracted and even overwhelmed. Our brains weren’t designed to multitask, but we try to perfect it anyway. So often when we try to multitask, we lose focus on the big stuff, the results we hope to attain.

The results we want don’t always match the outcome we get, but we do have direction, a goal and a purpose. When you expect a very specific result you set yourself up for frustration. But nevertheless, having a result in mind can keep you looking forward instead of getting distracted or worrying about the past.

If you clearly identify your desired results and keep those results in mind, the small stuff, the distractions and mistakes, take on less importance. That attitude also helps tremendously to keep the morale and focus of employees and coworkers positive.

Successful people have their own secrets for focusing on success in business. Here are a few of them:

1.     Understand yourself and your values. That’s pretty self explanatory but we don’t always take the time to assess ourselves and our values.

2.     Be true to yourself and to others. If you act the same with clients, friends and family, you’re probably being pretty true to yourself. It’s a lot easier than wearing a mask.

3.     Be willing to do what’s right. That may not always be the easiest thing or the least expensive, but you won’t have to second guess it later.

4.     If someone has an opposing position, listen to it and try to understand why they have that position. This helps keep your focus on results more accurate. You can become myopic without listening and understanding others’ input. Value it.

5.     Create an atmosphere where people can be independent and creative. Employees will be more willing to take risks, to reach the results desired, when they feel their input as an individual is valued.

6.     Encourage others not only to move past mistakes but also to analyze them. In an atmosphere of independence mistakes will happen. Make sure you and your employees analyze them, learn from them and move on.

7.     Add the element of fun at work. Part of achieving results is to have fun along the way. “Work” and “fun” are not mutually exclusive.

When you focus on results, picture yourself enjoying the moment.