6 More Strategies To Improve Focus (Part 2)

1. Make a distraction to-do list. The Internet has made it easy for many of us to become quickly distracted.
As soon as we want to look something up, we hop on the Internet to do a search. “I wonder what’s happening on Facebook.” “What was the name of the actor in that movie?” “How long will it take me to drive to the zoo tomorrow?” Anytime we get distracted like this it takes about 25 minutes to get back to the original task. So instead, next time you want to look up something or an idea pops in your head, jot it down on a piece of paper (or, even better, use Evernote).

2. Learn to say NO. If you already have full day’s task list, don’t feel like you have to take on another project for someone else.

3. Create an environment that works for you. Do you need a quiet space, free from people, phones and television noise? Set up your office so it works for you. Decorate it in soothing colors, inspiring artwork and a comfortable chair. If you work best in a neat and clean area, make sure you put away or file papers and magazines. Get rid of clutter. If you focus better while listening to music or some kind of ambient noise, be sure to have a way to make that happen.

4. Take a break when needed. Short breaks help break up boredom and burnout when you’re working on a big project. Get up and walk around the room. Do some yoga stretches.

5. Break up or Chunk it. Break your tasks down into smaller more manageable chunks of time with short breaks in between. For example, work on a task in 15 minute chunks. For example, let’s say you’re writing an eBook. Don’t try to do the whole thing at once. Break it down. Take 15 minutes to write out your outline. Take a short break. Then 15 minutes to research the first chapter. And so on.

6. Use an app on your phone to boost your productivity and concentration. Apps like Evernote can keep you organized and keep track of distractions. An app like Brainwave can be downloaded to your iPhone. In this app, you can choose settings like Concentration Boost and Problem Solving, Brainstorming, or Memory Boost and Creative Thinking. There are other apps that help you stay focused and productive as well. The strategies for becoming more focused are endless. Make lists. Remove distractions. Set up your ideal environment. You need to find what works best for your style of working. Stay safe and have a great month and year ahead.

Read Part  1 Here

5 Quotes And Characteristics Of Successful Investors (Part 3)

 1. They are focused “The men who have succeeded are men who have chosen one line and stuck to it.” – Andrew Carnegie Successful investors are focused on their investment vehicle. They take it one step at a time; one investment at a time. For instance; Tim Ferris said on his blog that he would rather stick to angel investing than attempt to stock trade because he understands angel investing better.Warren Buffett is focused on stocks, Tim Ferris on angel investing, Jim Rogers on commodities future and Donald Trump on real estate.

2. Successful investors use trend to their advantage “Your greatest and most powerful business survival strategy is going to be the speed at which you handle the speed of change. That speed of change is trend.” – Ajaero Tony Martins 

Another attribute of successful investors is that they know how to use trend to their advantage. Average investors panic over market fluctuations but professional investors welcome these fluctuations because it’s based on these fluctuations that they make their money. Successful investors use trends such as market sentiments, political instability and company’s crisis to their advantage. “Look at market fluctuations as your friend rather than your enemy. Profit from folly rather than participate in it.” – Warren Buffett

3. They are persistent
“When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it.” – Henry Ford

Sticking to your investing strategy whether you are winning or losing requires a great deal of persistence. Average investors lack persistence and that’s why they will forever remain average. They jump from one strategy to another and are always looking for the next hot tip. “Most people give up just when they are about to achieve success. They quit on one yard line. They give up the at last minute of the game one foot from a winning touch down.” – Henry Ross Perot

4. They thrive on risk
“Risk comes from not knowing what you are doing.” – Warren Buffett 

Investing is a risk but not knowing what you are doing is a greater risk. Every professional investor, whether on the winning or losing side still respect the 50-50 probability of success or failure. A major difference between a professional investor and an average investor is that a professional investor will always invest with a strong risk management system in place. Have you ever heard of the word “Hedge?”

“Seek advice on risk from the wealthy who still take risks, not friends who dare nothing more than a football bet.” – J. Paul Getty

5. Successful investors are disciplined

Successful investors are strict with themselves when it comes to investing.
Aside their investing rules and principles, they are still guided by a strong self imposed standard.
Professional investors know that it takes a great deal of discipline to stick to your investing strategies despite distractions from self proclaimed investment pundits.

“My two rules of investing: Rule one – never lose money. Rule two – never forget rule one.” – Warren Buffett

  I want to state categorically that becoming a successful investor is within your reach. Just model the masters of the game and you will see yourself improving.

Read Part 1 Here