I have a lot of competing goals and ideas that prevent me from focusing on any one. This constant thrashing is a waste of my time which has affected by chess improvement goals and derailed potential income generating ideas.

Below is a simple system that I plan to implement that will help me stay focused

I am breaking down the process into a planning and a doing phase. In the planning phase, I select the tasks to work on based on long-term goals. The doing phase is where I spend my time working on the tasks.

Planning Phase

  1. Identify the tasks to work on based on the Pareto Principle. I will dedicate my time working on those tasks that will bring the most reward. During this step, I ask the questions: Is this task necessary? Can I delegate the task to someone else? How long will this task take? How does this task fit into my long-term goals and objectives?
  2. Add tasks to a to-do list.
  3. Prioritize tasks.

Doing Phase

This phase consists of working on the tasks on my to-do list using the Pomodoro Technique.

  1. Work on a task for 25 minutes.
  2. After 25 minutes put a checkmark on paper.
  3. Take a 5-minute break from the work you are doing. Take a walk, relax, drink a cup of coffee.
  4. Start another Pomodoro sprint and work on a task for 25 minutes repeating steps 1-3.
  5. After 4 Pomodoro’s take a longer break.

I would love to hear any techniques you may have that help you stay focused and productive.

46