Have you ever been accused of having a One-Track Mind?

Maybe the context of the statement was something other than music, but having a focus on just one thing is a gigantic benefit if you can utilize it correctly.

Spend any amount of time on Facebook and you will probably find yourself doing something OTHER than what you intentionally went there for. Maybe you signed in so you could post a new video your band just made for a song you’ve been working on. Or maybe you wanted to tell your fans and friends about a show you’re going to play soon. You want to invite folks out to it so you have a better concert.

But something happened along the way that made that intentional posting not quite happen as planned……

You got distracted by a video posted by a friend that looked funny, so you watched it. Then you saw another post from a different friend that grabbed your attention. And the snowball of posts, videos, pics, and everything else began to fall.

At some point you might have remembered what it was you were originally going to do, but how much time did making that one update take? Probably a lot longer than you intended.

I’m seeing the distraction-time-sucker take place a lot, even with me. Here’s what I’m doing to save myself time and energy on getting things done that need to be done and not getting distracted by the endless stream of content on Facebook:

I’m One-Track Minded on To-Do Items.

This does mean that I have to make a few lists of Action-Items for the day. But I make achieving those items until completion or until a stopping point the endeavor until I’ll allow myself to be distracted.

Which brings up a point: you can allow yourself a little distraction. You do need a break from the time and work you’re putting into your project and work. But be mindful of how much space you give yourself on that break (distraction time).

Facebook might not be where you spend a lot of your time and energy connecting with fans or posting content. Even if Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or Youtube is where you engage with fans socially, distractions lurk in every corner. Be mindful of them and stay focused on your one action item.

The One-Track Minded principle also applies to your songwriting, when done correctly. Stick to the song you’re working on until it is fully matured and at a place where it will hook your listening audience. Don’t give up on a song or settle on its progress. Be focused on fully completing the One-Track until it’s solid.

This principle makes for creating your best work, putting excellence in all you do, and provides one of the best ways to achieve more in less time.