A couple weeks ago I promised to share how I am able to do as much as I do.  I was planning on focusing on productivity and technology, but I wanted to touch briefly on inspiration and motivation because these are the true reasons I pursue solutions to accomplish more.

Vision

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry once said, “If you want to build a ship, don’t herd people together to collect wood and don’t assign them tasks and work, but rather teach them to long for the endless immensity of the sea.”

The importance of vision, direction, purpose, goals, etc.cannot be overstated.   Without a destination, even the most advanced navigation system is just a worthless box.

We have our Family Mission statement and my company has a vision.  I am working on my personal vision as well.

Prioritize

Apple has about ten products and has a market cap the size of many competitors with hundreds of products.

Jesus worked on the Sabbath.  When Jack Wench took over GE he sold or closed every business they had that was not either number one or had a good chance to be within a couple years.

Paul, at the end of his life, recognized he has put it all on the line, there was nothing left.  He did not coast through his “retirement” years.

I try to make all my decisions based on the priorities spelled out in these vision statements.

Learn. A lot.

No one knows everything.  Even if you are the exception to this rule, disruptive changes are happening in nearly every industry on earth right now.

The most prolific and accomplished people in history have always been the Renaissance men (and women of course).   Individuals who dabbled in multiple disciplines, interact in multiple cultural contexts, engage with people even when they do not agree (especially when they don’t agree).

So that’s how I do it.  How do you stay focused?