One Goal, One Focus: Why narrowing your efforts leads to accomplishing more

Do you ever feel like you have a never-ending list of tasks and goals you want to achieve? If so, you’re not alone. The busyness of modern life can be overwhelming and our attention becomes ever more divided. Yet, prioritizing just ONE big goal could be the key to achieving success more efficiently and effectively.

Studies have shown that it’s better to focus on one big thing rather than many smaller things. For example, a study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that individuals who focused on a single goal made more progress toward it than those who worked on many goals simultaneously. The Journal of Experimental Psychology published another study that found that multitasking actually impairs cognitive function and decreases productivity.

Advantages of focusing on a singular goal

By honing in on a particular goal, you can dedicate your time and effort towards it, which allows you to make more progress, faster.

But why is this the case? Well, firstly, when you focus on a singular goal, you are less likely to be overwhelmed by the number of tasks you have to accomplish. You have an overarching vision that guides you as you structure the process of getting there. 

Secondly, by prioritizing one big goal, you are able to devote your time and energy towards achieving it. This means you can give it your full attention, rather than splitting your attention between multiple tasks. And let’s face it, when we multitask, we often end up getting less done.

Developing a sense of purpose and direction

Another benefit of focusing on one big goal is that it allows you to develop a greater sense of purpose and direction. When you have a specific goal in mind, you know what you’re working towards, which helps you stay motivated and committed, even when you encounter obstacles along the way.

Additionally, by focusing on one big goal, you can also develop better time management skills. By breaking down your efforts into smaller steps and eliminating distractions, you can allocate your time more effectively and efficiently.

Balancing Priorities: The costs and benefits of focusing on one big goal

Now, you might be thinking, “But what about all the other important tasks and responsibilities I have to handle?” And you’re right, prioritizing one big goal may mean ignoring other tasks. 

However, it’s a case of costs versus benefits. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your never-ending to-do list, try prioritizing one big goal and see how it can transform your productivity and success. 

BFB Success Formula: How to Focus on just ONE goal

1. Break down your efforts towards your ONE big goal into smaller, more manageable steps, that you can tackle every day with more ease and less stress. 
2. Get Help! You can enlist the support of family and friends, delegate tasks as much as you can, and outsource where possible. Work out what your time is worth per hour, and figure out which tasks would cost less than that to outsource. Eg if your time is worth $50 per hour and you could hire a cleaner for much less than that, it doesn’t make sense for you to spend hours of your life on cooking and cleaning. 
3. Accept that a certain amount of chaos will build up around you. When you allocate large chunks of time to your one big goal, you literally don’t have time to tackle the other items on your to-do list. And that’s ok.