Tunnel Vision?

When you think about tunnel vision, you usually think of confining, narrow-minded thinking. But is having tunnel vision ever a good thing?

Well, statistics show that about 40 - 45% of us make at least one resolution each year. But did you know that only about 46% of those resolutions are kept for six months or more? It seems to me that many of us are teaching ourselves we aren't trustworthy since we know we aren't going to do what we said we'd do. How can we change that?

The most obvious answer is probably to stop making resolutions we're not going to keep. However, if we don't set goals, we may never go anywhere. Maybe a better answer is to remove some of the distractions in our lives...develop tunnel vision of a sort.

Now, we need to make our goals meaningful. In Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us, Daniel H. Pink suggests that goals that help us grow and develop are more meaningful than monetary ones.

Pink explains that when trying to get yourself or others to focus on a specific goal, "carrots and sticks" are often not the way to go. It's a good read with suggestions for applying the principles in a family, at work, or in an organization.

Once we have set the course, we need to focus on where we want to go and constantly move forward...So sometimes, having tunnel vision is a good thing!

Have You Seen My Glasses?

The environment you live in and work in is directly related to how much you get done everyday. It just makes sense that having a space that supports what you are trying to do helps you do more in less time. But sometimes we get so used to seeing things that we become blind to small change that could make a big difference.

With age, I have begun using cheap drugstore glasses for reading and other close-up work. Although I can see letters on the page, the glasses make everything more clear. I get more done in less time when I wear them. Sometimes we need to look at things through a new lens. A good friend can help.

I recently took some pictures of my home. Those pictures gave me a new perspective on my environment. I became aware of simple changes that would produce a more productive environment.

A productive environment extends beyond physical surroundings. What about your brain? Studies have shown the negative effects of stress on our bodies and our minds. Have you considered how important a positive mental attitude is to getting things done?

If you're stuck in a rut, take a minute to look at things through a new lens...