We live in a world of constant distraction and without a singular goal and clear direction, it's easy to lose our way, both in life and in our careers. For those seeking greater success, more financial security today and financial freedom in the future, the question is, how to stay focused. The answer resonated throughout the Momentum's 7th Science of Success Festival, where international change management expert Dr. Price Pritchett offered participants a four-point checklist for discipline, method and purpose that transforms focus from a concept into something achievable.

The four-point focus checklist

1. Set a big, scary goal

Your journey to success begins with a goal that feels big enough to scare you. As Pritchett reminded his audience, “Setting an ambitious goal sets the stage for everything that follows.” Bold, audacious goals stretch our abilities, ignite our motivation, and inspire us far more than modest or easily attainable ones. They call us to rise to our full potential.

Dr. Price added an insightful caution: sharing your goals too soon can derail you before you even start. People may project their doubts, fears, or limitations onto your vision. To maintain clarity and focus, he advised keeping your most ambitious goals private until they are firmly underway.

This theme of clarity, purpose, and disciplined focus echoed throughout the masterclasses on wealth planning—whether discussing effective tax management, preparing for retirement, or navigating the financial impact of critical illness. Meaningful financial planning always begins with a clear end goal, whether that goal is early retirement, ensuring your family’s long-term security, or simply building resilience for life’s inevitable rainy days.

2. Pursue your goal relentlessly

Relentless pursuit doesn’t mean more hours or more pressure; it means new habits and intentional methods. With nearly half of our daily actions driven by habit, a new year offers an opportunity to redesign routines that support your long-term goals. With 43% of what we do driven by habit, doing things differently pushes us outside our comfort zones. While breaking bad habits can lead to success, some habits are worth cultivating. These include financial forward planning and constant reviews of your plans as circumstances change. Thinking intentionally about financial freedom is the first step towards achieving it.

3. Do the mind work

We control what we ultimately achieve, or don't achieve, and our success is framed by how we think about it. For Pritchett, reducing negative thoughts is even more important than thinking positively. The subconscious mind feeds the conscious mind although it is a two-way street with the conscious mind programming the subconscious, reducing debt starts with the belief that we can achieve solvency, then requires concerted effort. Procrastination is the enemy of success; implementation paves the way to achievement. Our mindset determines whether we move forward or stay stuck, it begins when we shift from “I should” to “I’m taking action.”

Taking action also means knowing when to seek guidance. It’s important to consult a financial adviser especially when major changes occur in your life, to review your portfolio, adjust your strategy, and ensure that your plan aligns with your goals. Seek advice; informed decisions accelerate progress.

4. Track your progress

Finally, to keep focused on the path to personal success, tracking your progress is critical. Quoting American investor and venture capitalist John Doerr, Pritchett said, "Ideas are easy, execution is everything." Having an idea is only the first step but bringing that idea to life requires focused and successful execution, and regular reviews along the way.

The importance of support and mentorship

While Pritchett's four-point plan provides the framework, there is one more essential element and that is surrounding yourself with the right people. Like-minded and supportive individuals, both mentors who can guide you and qualified experts in financial planning to advise, are critical components in staying focused on your journey.

Success is rarely a solo endeavour. The path from distraction to direction becomes clearer when you have experience and support helping you navigate the way.

From checklist to action

The tools and insights offered by Dr. Price Pritchett taught many practical lessons about the steps needed to achieve personal success and the traps to avoid. But in the end, success starts with you. You are the only person standing in your way. The message was clear: success requires discipline—the discipline to formulate a plan, implement that plan, and track your progress until your goal has been achieved, and only you have the power to do that. With this simple checklist: set big goals, pursue them relentlessly, do the mind work, track progress, and seek support, success becomes achievable.  The road from distraction to direction just needs us to take our first deliberate step.

”Remember that as humans we inherit behaviours, both helpful and harmful. But now we have the agency to keep what serves us and release what doesn’t. It's easy to blame our upbringing or background, but real growth means taking accountability. Yes, our parents may not have taught us about financial planning, but we have access now. Information is everywhere; there’s no excuse. You are responsible for your success” concluded Qhawekazi Mdikane, Head of Brand at Momentum.