Focus, Simplify, Minimalize

Lots of "stuff" distracts us from what is most meaningful in our lives. Who doesn't want to be happier, more productive, and have a more meaningful life? When your time and attention is spread between a million different objects or activities, you come away from it all feeling frazzled and unfulfilled.

Right now, on my desk, my attention is divided between:

• A library book on writing amazing cover letters
• Past cover letters and cover letter writing tips I've collected over the years
• Another library book "Awaken your strongest self"
• Three notebooks
• A brochure from a potential job I should review
• My day planner covered by 2 bill-like mailings
• Colorful pens and markers if I want to be creative
• Two pens
• A rainbow kaleidoscope thingy
• Block letters that spell my name
• My computer, keyboard, and mouse
• Aromatherapy "Ylang Ylang" oil I was going to blog about

ALL of these things I want or need to do something with. And I'm overwhelmed by where to start. I need to set a goal: clean up desk, put away things I don't use, use or do the things I need to do, and ultimately simplify my set up.

What helps you focus?

The Time Is Now

Just do it. Nike came up with this great slogan decades ago, and it has worked its way into culture over the years. Just do it. Just get up and do IT, whatever IT is for you. Depressed? Get happy! Jobless? Network! Lose weight? Work out! Figure out whatever IT is and just do it.

Procrastination is a life killer. There are countless articles online to help you beat your own boredom:

• Boost your willpower
• Morning routines of successful people
• Multitasking may diminish (not boost) productivity

Stop making excuses for yourself, stop trying to start perfectly, do something with your life to make it the one you want it to be. You only get one, remember?

From one of my favorite blogs on living a mindful life:

Each moment is limited, fleeting, precious. Let’s not waste another one.

Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Meditate on what you want it to be filled with and then go forth and do.

How do you make the most of your days?