From my recent rereading of Getting Things Done by David Allen, I’ve been thinking a lot about focus. In two different ways, as defined by my handy Webster’s New World Dictionary… (1) to concentrate and (2) any center of attention, activity, etc.
I’ll write about the second definition here — my areas of focus or centers of attention. I’ll save the ideas about concentration for another day.
We humans have a lot to do. A lot a lot.
When I break it down within each of my areas of focus, it seems like even more — the things to do and the things I WANT to do. ‘Areas of focus’ is the term I borrowed from my reading, but these areas could easily be called life priorities, life roles, areas of responsibilities, areas of interest, etc.
Mine currently include Sister, Daughter, Friend, Parent, Aunt, Niece, Writer, Crafter, House Manager, Finance Manager, Health Manager (physical, spiritual, mental and emotional health), Car Owner, Secretary, Cook, Neighbor, Advocate, Lifelong Learner, and Reader.
Etc.
It hadn’t occurred to me to do a regular monthly, or even a weekly, review of each of these areas in order to manage my life better and determine what’s important. I might start out gung-ho at New Year’s, but generally, I get into a routine or fall into a rut and let things happen by urgency rather than by proactive decision, by emergency priority and repair, rather than regular maintenance.
My life often overwhelmed me, especially when I was a full-time employee. All of these things to do were hovering in my brain whether I gave them attention or not.
Get Sheri Anderson’s stories in your inbox
Join Medium for free to get updates from this writer.
Now that I’m taking some time to think about each area, I realize, not only the many ideas, tasks, and responsibilities, but also the intentions I have of receiving and giving support and maintaining a level of sanity and ease.
As a writer, I want to write regularly, and also submit work and participate in the local writing community.
As a sister I want to keep in regular contact with my brother who lives 600 miles away.
As a house manager, I want to (or should) pay bills, clean (once in a while!), ensure the appliances and air conditioner/furnace are maintained.
As a car owner, I need to get gas, regular oil changes and other maintenance.
Etc., etc., etc.
These are just examples, but within each area there are THINGS TO DO! And if desired, intentions to set. Personally, in order to feed my mind and spirit and maintain a level of sanity and serenity, it helps to maintain my activities, my health, my relationships, my household and my belongings in the best ways possible.
Needless to say, no planning system is perfect. For example, I missed a dental cleaning appointment today believing that it was at 2:00 when it was scheduled for 12 noon. Oops! I certainly haven’t figured this out completely.
Yet the added review of my goals or ideas or tasks within each of these areas might help me do more of the things that are important to me rather than letting everything slide until it’s a neglected mess. I won’t be able to do everything. But I’ll be able to do something when it comes to each area. Gradually, I imagine this will lead to a reasonable plan of action that will help me help myself. I need all the help I can get.
Happy writing, everyone!
