Staying on task and completing an assignment to the end is a great habit to have in a person's life skills toolbox. However, it is often easy to get side tracked by such things as tiredness, aches and pains, breakdowns, discouragement, procrastination, and interruptions from other people. At times it is something more fun and enjoyable that pulls us away from the task at hand.

Obviously, the ability to overcome whatever obstacles and challenges tend to get in the way of our completing a specific task or project can be a key factor in achieving the results we desire. The trouble is, most of us often make our decisions based on how we feel.

What we need at this point is simple, yet very focused discipline. Put another way, we must set our mind and our will on sticking to the task at hand (or getting back on task when we have been deterred). When we are focused, we refuse to give in to those feelings that threaten to derail us from our tasks. This is something we all have the capability for, if we will require it of ourselves.

My encouragement to you today is this: Confidently and tenaciously determine to stay your course no matter who or what tries to throw you off your path. Make it your goal to cultivate and maintain a focused discipline that will guarantee your success.

There are already undoubtedly at least one or more areas of your life where you are very focused. You may want to consider making a list of those areas, as well as a list of areas where you struggle with maintaining a disciplined focus. Then, work to transfer the skill you already possess from one area to another.

2005 Professional Development Systems All Rights Reserved

Robert Prentice

Robert A. (Bob) Prentice is an entrepreneur, a motivational speaker, a corporate trainer, a business and marketing consultant, an author, and publisher, who began his career 25 years ago.On December 26, 1989, Professional Development Systems was established in Rapid City, South Dakota.

In 1998, Bob moved the business to Wessington, South Dakota, so his family could experience the benefits of living in a rural community. Since the birth of PDS, Bob has worked with literally hundreds of companies and organizations within a 15 state region, delivering highly motivational training sessions in Customer Service, Leadership, Sales, Total Quality Management, Team Building and more. Literally, thousands of people participate in Bob's training seminars each year.

A family man, Bob and Vicki, his wife of 28 years, have enjoyed the privilege of raising three children?two sons and a daughter?to adulthood. They also have an 11 year old daughter. Bob says he plays much more than he works, and when he works he goes to fun! Bob's friends call him Mr. Attitude.