Staying on task and completing an assignment to the end is a great habit to have in a person's life skills toolbox. However, it is often easy to get side tracked by such things as tiredness, aches and pains, breakdowns, discouragement, procrastination, and interruptions from other people. At times it is something more fun and enjoyable that pulls us away from the task at hand.

Obviously, the ability to overcome whatever obstacles and challenges tend to get in the way of our completing a specific task or project can be a key factor in achieving the results we desire. The trouble is, most of us often make our decisions based on how we feel.

What we need at this point is simple, yet very focused discipline. Put another way, we must set our mind and our will on sticking to the task at hand (or getting back on task when we have been deterred). When we are focused, we refuse to give in to those feelings that threaten to derail us from our tasks. This is something we all have the capability for, if we will require it of ourselves.

My encouragement to you today is this: Confidently and tenaciously determine to stay your course no matter who or what tries to throw you off your path. Make it your goal to cultivate and maintain a focused discipline that will guarantee your success.

There are already undoubtedly at least one or more areas of your life where you are very focused. You may want to consider making a list of those areas, as well as a list of areas where you struggle with maintaining a disciplined focus. Then, work to transfer the skill you already possess from one area to another.

2005 Professional Development Systems All Rights Reserved