Focus is hard.
We get distracted. Easily settle in ruts. Get comfortable. Lose track of what really matters. Once you go through these cycles enough number of times, you realize that it is not really that hard. It doesn’t have to be all that hard. All you have to do is focus on the 1%. For most things in life, there is only the 1% that really counts. The rest is noise. Just distractions. Any written text – there is the 1% that really matters which conveys real meaning, the rest is just words. People around you – only 1% really matter, the rest are just there.
Focus on the 1%. Don’t add to things- instead take away from things. Ruthlessly prioritize. Do what really matters – forget about the rest of the 99%.
To make it easier, ask these three questions at any decision point:
- Is this taking me towards or away from my goals?
- Is this in line with my fundamental principles and values?
- Is this helping me create value for myself and the people close to me?
Don’t get the right answer on even one of these – kill it. Let it slash and burn. Move on.
Every time. The 1%. Occam’s Razor.
Thanks for this, needed a reminder of the direction I am going in. It really is easy to fall into a rut sometimes.
Charles – My pleasure!
If you read significant texts or novels in this dismissive manor, you’ll get nothing from them. How do you know what is the 99% to ignore until you read it???
99% of novels need to be ignored.
True. I only read non-fiction. I don’t like to waste my time on fantasy novels, I would rather be learning something useful.
Lisa – great fiction, like great art in general, is (or at least should be) in your top 1% values. It’s contribution to your life and happiness is huge. Read what Ayn Rand wrote about the role of art in man’s life (in her book “The Romantic Manifesto”) to understand better what I’m driving at.
*manner* – spelling and grammar are not in the 99% :p
Thanks for the motivation!!
“Is this taking me towards or away from my goals?
“Is this in line with my fundamental principles and values?
“Is this helping me create value for myself and the people close to me?”
We do this 100% of the time in a complete, consistent way compatible with Objective values – in Atlantis – which can’t be practiced in the outside world.
The JohnGalt Motor is done, Galt’s Gulch has begun. Come and see it for yourself:
http://www.GaltsGulchPortal.blogspot.com
http://www.GaltsGulchPerspective.blogspot.com
And I mean it.
A $ A
Been in a rut for years.. But maybe this can be useful.
This is something I must try.
This is something I must try. Thanks !
Makes a lot of sense. Now if only one could know the goal for sure (there are many, often conflicting ones) and define what “value” is to them.
Sakshi: “Contradictions do not exist. Whenever you think you are facing a contradiction, check your premises. You will find that one of them is wrong.”
We have too much junk in our lives.. for sure..
I agree with you with the exception of the 1%, mine is larger thank goodness but your philosophy is sound and I practice a similar one all the time. It does work.