But with every software or program, nothing comes easy, you have to work hard and invest your time. Nothing in live comes free.

For years, I really focused on all the problems that surrounded me. I’m not really sure what the catalyst was, but one day I decided to ignore the problems. I quit reading the newspaper, stopped watching TV, and stopped letting the negative people into my life.

For my business, I started focusing on my goals and achieving them. I didn’t let the problems along the way get to me and it made it easier to find solutions. I don’t know if it really is easier, or if it is just my perception that it’s easier. Either way, the problems don’t throw me for a loop, like they used to.

It made a big difference.

Now, I feel much free-er to concentrate on what I want to accomplish and to look for solutions that will get me there.

I like it better. Now, we’ll see if it leads to increased productivity and more money. (grin)

I don’t remember the exact quote, but it was something like this…

“I don’t have to attend every argument I’m invited to.”

I used to feel like I had to win the arguments…that I had to be right. I wasted a lot of time and energy that way.

One day, I realized it didn’t matter. I could state my opinion and then walk away. There was no requirement to debate, argue, nor fight.

I’ll argue or fight if it’s my only available option, but there are many things I’d prefer to do before reaching that point.

I have learned that a positive outlook helps me through the good — and the bad — days with good humor and better results.

Thank you for your comment.

All the best,

JD

It’s always good to hear from you.

I completely agree with you about focus. It is a great asset and sometimes a very big challenge. I feel much more focused this month than I have in a long time, and I’m enjoying it.

Working in 15 minute intervals can be a good strategy for many things.

I have some goals that will take months to achieve, but they have many sub-goals and tasks, some of which can be completed in just a few minutes. After I’ve been working a few hours and want to take a break, I pick one of the short, quick goals to finish before taking the break. For me, it’s always easier to do one more thing while I’m being productive than it is to sit down and find something to do.

Usually, I can finish the short-time-span goals much faster as the last task of a working session than I can as the first task of a new session.

In the same way, when I finish writing something, I like to get a good start on the outline and a few paragraphs of another writing project, before stopping.

I find it much easier to come back fresh and continue with a project already in progress than to sit and stare at a blank screen and get into the groove of writing.

Many — perhaps most — of the tasks I plan to complete take several hours, and I’ve found no way to break them into smaller chunks, so I try to do them first thing in the morning, while I’m fresh and rested, and before I get distracted by other things that are urgent, but not as important.

I try to complete a big goal at the start of each day, and then do some of the “quickies” throughout the day, as I’m interrupted by other things, many of which are not planned.

I think the advice you offered is good and helpful. Thanks!

Yes, I set goals and have to-do lists. I almost always know the top 3 or 4 things I need to focus upon, but I have many more things on my to-do list than that. Being focused is my biggest asset as well as my biggest challenge.

I came across some advice a couple weeks ago that might be beneficial to some. That is, work in 15 minute intervals. Set a goal to accomplish one thing in 15 minutes. Then work on it for 15 minutes without any interruptions. It’s a short enough time period that most people can successfully focus for this long. And it’s productive, too. Rather than focusing on big goals, work on tiny 15-minute tasks that you can really get done. It is worth a try.

I don’t think you’re just a silly goose!

That reminds me of a co-worker who used to call me an empty-headed little bit of fluff! She told me to wear my hair long, over my ears, so she couldn’t hear my little pea-sized brain rattling around, all lonely in my big head. (grin)

Actually, I think I understand the dichotomy you’re experiencing. When you work hard to achieve something, who is there to thank for it? Right?

On days where I have achieved something for which I have worked long and hard, I am grateful for my ability to think, to write, and to conceive of an idea in which I believe enough to work to make it happen.

On days I don’t achieve what I set out to accomplish, I’m grateful for being alive and having the opportunity to do what I want to do. Having the health to work, again. Having people who support me when I can’t do what I want.

The more I think about it, the more I find for which to be grateful.

I’m grateful for the beauty of the hummingbirds as I watch them in the mornings and evenings. I’m grateful for the sunrises and sunsets.

I could go on for hours.

Perhaps you don’t agree, but I bet there are many people and things in your life for which you can be grateful.

All the best,

JD

Either that or I’m just a silly goose! lol

He, his company, and the products they produce have been an important part of my life for the better part of three decades and I use my Macs and iOS devices every day. I don’t know how I could function without them.

Thank you for all you’ve done, Steve. I wish you well.

He is a shining example of someone who has spent a lifetime acting on his dream.

I’ve been meaning to ask you if that CPAP is helping you rest more than you used to. You said you still don’t sleep well, but I hope it’s helping.

I used to live on my computer, too, but I’m really spending a lot less time working than I used to.

It’s kind of strange, but after 10 years of caring for Mom and fighting my own health battles, it feels like I finally got my life back. I now consider every day as a precious gift and I don’t want to waste it by just working.

Right at the moment, that isn’t true, because I’m in the process of completely revising my business plan, re-strategizing and planning the new site blueprints for two of my main websites, and so I’m working more than I like, but I still took most of the day off, yesterday, and went and played with friends.

It feels strange not to be tied to a house and strict schedule, but I like it.

Not that my approach is better than anyone else’s approach. It’s just very different from how I’ve lived the last 30 years or so.

All the best,

JD