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Why Focus Is the Key to Faster Success if You Have Too Many Goals

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Multitasking, splitting your focus, and wearing five hats at once. If this sounds familiar to you, chances are you’re an entrepreneur, freelancer, or business owner.. You have big goals, and lots of them. Your lofty aspirations are good, but there are so many things to focus on.

To get work done on schedule, we often find ourselves chasing multiple goals at once – and even thinking about more things to do at the same time. The workload isn’t the problem, necessarily. The problem is the idea we have to do it all at once to be successful.

Stop and breathe. Focus on one thing at a time until you complete it. After that, move onto the next thing. I know – it’s easier said than done. Let’s delve into the psychology behind the mindset of multitasking so we don’t miss out, and discuss how to effectively focus.

JOMO: The Joy of Missing Out – Why it Matters for Faster Success

At first glance, you may think our acronym is off by a letter. We often hear about the fear of missing out, or FOMO, when we start talking about getting things done. It’s the feeling that says while you’re doing this, you’re missing out on that. And for all the good technology has done, studies have shown that social media and our modern digital landscape exacerbates this fear in many.

FOMO isn’t just a modern trend because even 5 years ago, over half of social networkers suffered from FOMO. But there’s actually a good side to missing out on things. When we think of success, we think of all the accomplishments we’d like to rack up. But this can often leave us in a cluttered state of mind, where our body is in one place and our mind in another.

Missing out on things can actually be good. It helps us focus on the task at hand – which is the key to faster success. Multitasking has its place, but getting big goals accomplished is easier when you focus on one at a time.

If you’re the type of person who is pursuing a personal and/or professional goal, don’t worry about missing out on other things when you’re focusing your time on a single objective. Clearing the worry from your mind can help jumpstart your productivity and put you on track to success.

“FOMO (fear of missing out) is the enemy of valuing your own time.” – Andrew Yang

Even with the stats and science backing the JOMO approach, distractions come in many forms. Some people are almost unnaturally compelled to scroll through their Facebook or Twitter feed, even on tight deadlines, because who knows what great post (or funny meme) they may miss out on?

The fewer distractions, the better – even in the workplace. One study showed reducing workplace distractions resulted in a large percentage of employees being more productive (75%), enjoying more motivation (45%), and being overall happier on the job (49%).

No matter where you’re spending your time or what project you’re working on, try these three tips for staying focused on your goals:

1. Tame Those Electronic Distractions

Are your tech toys taking your attention? You may need to take an extreme approach. Sometimes this can mean turning your phone off, or even putting it in another room. It works in classrooms and offices, so try it out wherever you’re working.

What about the gateway to distractions that is that second tab, or that second monitor on your computer? Try having separate computers – one optimized with programs and logins for work, and one without. It helps you subtly separate work from play, and focus from fun – though that’s not to say getting work done can’t be fun.

“I attribute much of my success in New York to my ability to understand and avoid unnecessary distractions.” – Derek Jeter

2. Change Your Work Location

Sometimes being at home, or even at the office, just isn’t conducive to staying focused. If your mind is on too many things at once, try a change of scenery if your situation allows for it.

Pack up your laptop (the work one) and head down to the local coffee shop. Knowing you came to a different location specifically to get work done is a great way to motivate yourself, and get yourself in the mood to tackle the task at hand.

3. Remember to Relax Your Mind

Who says meditation can’t be handy for the busy worker with big goals to accomplish?

If you’re trying to focus, taking a few minutes to relax is a great way to prepare yourself. Breathe deep, be mindful, and center your focus on the project you’re currently working on. Don’t forget to schedule some relaxation time, because a good work/life balance matters.

The (Not So) Secret Formula to Success

We all know that success is a product of hard work in the vast majority of cases. It’s no different when you have many things to accomplish and focus on. Nonetheless, the key to accomplishing all of your goals faster is to put your focus on one objective at a time. Put your focus at the front of the line and give it your all.

How do you make sure you don’t overcommit and spread yourself too thin when it comes to accomplishing your goals? Let us know your thoughts below!

Julia McCoy is a serial content marketer, entrepreneur, and bestselling author. She founded her content agency, Express Writers, with just $75 at 19 years old. Eight years later, she has almost 90 team members on staff and has served thousands of clients. She's been listed on Forbes as a thought leader, named among the top 30 worldwide content marketers, and has a passion for sharing what she knows in her books and in her online courses. Read Julia's Write Blog.

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Personal Development

These 11 Habits Will Make You More Productive, Successful, and Confident

Boost your focus, confidence, and results with 11 powerful habits successful people use every day.

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Successful people love to help beginners. They have an incredible work ethic and rarely complain. As a result, others naturally look up to them and want to follow in their footsteps.

But here’s the truth: there’s no success without sacrifice. You’ll need to give up comfort, excuses, and sometimes even social approval to accomplish your goals.

Value comes from solving problems, and these 11 powerful tips will help you become more productive, successful, and confident, starting today.

1. Take Short Breaks After Finishing a Task

Psychology shows it’s important to reward positive behaviour.

After completing a big task or finishing a book, take five minutes to walk, stretch, or simply breathe. This quick reset helps your brain recharge and strengthens focus.

Many great writers swear by morning walks, solitude, and reflection can unlock creativity.

But if you refuse to take breaks, don’t be surprised when burnout hits. Your brain needs recovery time just as much as your body does.

2. Schedule Your Most Important Tasks First

Multitasking kills productivity. If you want to get more done, try time blocking, a method where you dedicate set periods for specific tasks.

Productivity expert Caitlin Hughes explains, “Time blocking involves scheduling blocks of time for your tasks throughout the day.”

For example, if you’re a writer:

  • Research your topic at night.

  • Write your first draft in the morning (don’t worry if it’s rough).

  • Edit in the afternoon, great writing comes from rewriting.

You can’t buy more time. Use it intentionally and without regret.

3. Eliminate Distractions from Your Workspace

Focus is the foundation of success.

According to Inc. Magazine, it takes an average of 23 minutes to recover from a distraction. That’s nearly half an hour of lost productivity every time you check your phone.

Put your phone away. Close unnecessary tabs. And yes, limit your Netflix binges.

Meeting deadlines consistently is one of the fastest ways to stand out and earn respect.

4. Take Full Responsibility for Your Life

Entrepreneur Derek Sivers once said, “Everything is my fault.”

This mindset doesn’t mean self-blame; it means self-ownership. Stop pointing fingers, making excuses, or waiting for others to change.

If your habits (like smoking or drinking too much) hold you back, it’s time to make better choices. Your friends can’t live your dreams for you; only you can.

5. Invest an Hour a Day in Learning New Skills

Knowledge compounds over time.

Whether you read books, take online courses, or practise a craft, consistent learning gives you a competitive edge.

I used to struggle with academic writing, but I improved by studying the work of great authors and applying what I learned.

Your past doesn’t define you; your actions do. Every new skill adds another tool to your arsenal and makes you more unstoppable.

6. Develop a Growth Mindset

Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck introduced the concept of fixed vs. growth mindset.

  • A fixed mindset believes success is based on natural talent.

  • A growth mindset believes success comes from effort and learning.

Choose the growth mindset. Embrace challenges. See failures as feedback. In today’s fast-moving digital world, adaptability is your biggest advantage.

7. Learn Marketing to Reach People Who Need You

I once believed marketing was manipulative, until I realised it’s about helping people solve problems.

If your work provides genuine value, marketing is how you let others know it exists. Even Apple spends billions on it.

Don’t be ashamed to promote your skills or business. Without visibility, your ideas will never reach the people who need them most.

Creative professionals who understand marketing and sales have an unfair advantage.

8. Ask Your Mentor the Right Questions

Good mentors can fast-track your growth.

While mentorship often costs money, it’s one of the best investments you can make. Great mentors don’t care about titles; they care about your progress.

If you don’t have access to a mentor yet, books are your silent mentors. Read the best in your field, take notes, and apply what resonates.

9. Build Confidence Through Action, Not Affirmations

Author Ryan Holiday once said, “I don’t believe in myself. I have evidence.”

Confidence doesn’t come from shouting affirmations into the mirror; it comes from proof. Doing hard things, keeping promises to yourself, and following through.

When you consistently take action, your brain gathers evidence that you can handle whatever comes next. That’s real confidence, grounded, earned, and unshakable.

10. Focus on Your Strengths

Your strengths reveal where your greatest impact lies.

If people compliment you on something often, it’s a clue. Lean into it.

A former professor once told me I was creative, and that simple comment gave me the confidence to go all in. I studied creativity, applied it daily, and turned it into my career advantage.

Double down on your strengths. That’s how you build momentum and mastery.

11. Identify and Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs

Your beliefs shape your reality.

For years, I believed I couldn’t be a great writer because of my chronic tinnitus and astigmatism, sensory challenges that made concentration difficult. But over time, I realised those struggles made me more disciplined, observant, and empathetic.

Your limitations can become your greatest motivators if you let them.

Avoid shortcuts. Growth takes time, but it’s always worth it.

Final Thoughts

Becoming productive, successful, and confident isn’t about working harder than everyone else. It’s about working smarter, consistently, and intentionally.

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start small: take a break after your next task, schedule your priorities, or spend one hour learning something new.

Every habit you change compounds into long-term success. Remember, true change comes from practising new behaviours.

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