How To Set Smart Daily Goals

To learn to control your attention, set aside at least one time period per day to focus without interruption. Let it be no more than 90 minutes at a time. Do something important but not urgent.

Ask yourself: Are you scheduling time daily to focus without interruption?

Incoming demands and digital distractions can get in the way of real productivity. If you do one big thing today, you will feel like it is a productive day.

Ask yourself: What’s the one big thing you want to accomplish today?

It can be challenging to be productive in the long-term when you do things you don't feel motivated to do. Unless you have to push through with a specific task, it is much easier to work around things that keep you motivated.

Ask yourself: Why do you do this every single day?

Before you allocate time to any task, question the intended outcome. Ensure that everything you say and do move the ball forward toward your goal.

Ask yourself: s what I’m about to do (or say) moving the ball forward?

This intense focus is at the center of completing outstanding work in a compact amount of time. However, focus requires training to develop.

To start, schedule a 20-minute block of undistracted work, and then add 10 minutes every two weeks.

Ask yourself: What is your training system for increasing your ability to focus hard on something without distraction?