Have you ever felt like all through the past few months, all you have been able to pay attention to are your immediate concerns, and that you haven't been able to find the time to chase your long-term goals?
This is a common concern for most of us. Many a times, it so happens that our present crowds the future. We get this helpless feeling that there's so much more to learn and do, of what we had imagined to do and know in our lives. These strategies can help you align your efforts to the present and the future together:
This is a common concern for most of us. Many a times, it so happens that our present crowds the future. We get this helpless feeling that there's so much more to learn and do, of what we had imagined to do and know in our lives. These strategies can help you align your efforts to the present and the future together:
Being realistic about your long term priorities
Remember that if you are trying to take on too much, you might get sucked into a black hole. Unless you are Superman, you cannot possibly take on five-six seismic initiatives in your lifetime. You need to take on fewer projects. You have to decide as to what to do and more importantly, what not to do. And once you have decided what your long term goals are, you have to ask yourself each day: "What am I doing that's going to get me closer to it?"
Distinguish between unproductive and productive effort
Distinguish between unproductive and productive effort
Understand that sometimes you can be caught in the cross-roads to achieve immediate targets and to work on future goals. Ditching one part at the cost of the other is detrimental for you. But even if you make small, periodic efforts to achieve your long term goal, believe me, you'll get there. Let me cite you an example: a friend who wanted to get into a prestigious law school used to study for only an hour a day. When I raised my concern that I thought he was studying for very less time, he told me to "chill and watch". And clear the exam he did! See, it's that easy.
Defend your Dreams
Defend your Dreams
Many a times when you sit down to finally work on your future plan, you will suddenly get inundated with WhatsApp messages and BBM pings. Your friends might tempt you to join them for a plan, or you might get a call from your partner that you don't want to miss. It is then, that you have to defend your dreams. You need to introspect at that very moment, whether that 'plan' will help you in any way six months from now. If it sounds like a no, you should resolve to fight all temptation and set back to work on your plan again.
By Divyani Rattanpal
By Divyani Rattanpal
