How I Focus: Top 10 List
We all have a full plate in front of us. Some fill it with activities and work and events, and others fill it with literal foods, but either way focusing on each item on your plate can be difficult. I find focusing very difficult because my brain is consistantly spouting off ideas for my clients. At some point throughout the day I will have written down ideas in a multitude of different themed notebooks to come back to later when I have a moment. Do you ever get those free moments to go back to what you put off til later? I'm working on it-- this is how I focus!
Top 10 ways to focus and find your inner productive ninja:
1. Make A Checklist
This seems pretty simple... but who actually does it? If you carry around a small notebook and everytime you think of soemthing you have to do today, write it down. As you do them, cross it off. This will not only make you feel productive, but it will allow you to have the idea and still focus on the task at hand without losing the inspiration for the new idea that you want to accomplish later!
2. Record Random Thoughts- Then let them go.
If you don't write, or are always out and about and cannot keep a notebook for quick thoughts-- record a voice message to yourself. Either call your cell phone and leave it on your voicemail, or use the "recording" feature for voice notes on your phone. Even buy a digital recorder to keep in your pocket if you need to. These can transfer the audio files to your computer for storing and filing away for when you DO have those free moments to go back over your ideas and create more success!
3. Use Essential Oils
This may be new to you, or it may be old knowledge, but I focus the best under the use of Vetiver and Cedarwood oils. I have a blend of Young Living oils that I've made into a roll on and I keep one on my desk and one in my pocket. My team and I joke because it really works, but sounds funny! When you get stressed, or "SQUIRREL"ed during a project-- smell your wrist! It centers you and brings you back to focus. Essential oils are natural and pure (when using Young Living oils) and therefore do not have side effects like energy drinks or other stimulants we use to keep focused at work. There are many good oils for maintaining on task-- find your blend and OWN IT! "Smell Your Wrist!"
4. Keep a calender with a reminder for timed appointments and due dates.
If you don't have a calender app that will integrate into your phone, email, and computer-- you need one. I use the iCal on my Mac mostly, but any good calender app will do to get you started. When you make an appointment, have an event, make a decision or have an idea that is on a timecrunch, quickly add it to the calender and sync. Then set a reminder if necessary so that when you need to start preparing, or traveling to the event, your phone will buzz and notify you. Therefore you can focus on current tasks without having to watch the clock and stress about running out of time.
5. Remain Positive Towards Goals
Do not set goals for yourself that will cause stress. If you want to make a million dollars by 2pm, great! Do it! If it's not possible and it will cause you a heart attack due to the stress... don't set that goal! We want to have goals that are attainable and therefore keep you on a postive track.
6. Brainstorm, Map Out Plan, Mark Off Progress
Come up with idea, plot out your plan of action, and then set off! After you accomplish something, mark it off- promote it and move on! This works great for those who need to accomplish step-by-step tasks or agendas throughout the day.
7. Learn to Say "NO"
It's wonderful to be busy and to be wanted by many clients. However, if you are unable to fulfill all orders or services, your business will suffer. Do not feel bad saying No. Be polite, obviously. "No, I don't have time for your stinkin' class today, I'm already stressed about the 15 freakin' classes I have booked today!" This response will probably not get you many friends or new bookings... "I'm sorry, I have already filled my schedule for this week, are you free next Tuesday?" This sounds much more professional and sounds as if you are so good at what you do, your time is very precious and they better book you NOW!
8. Farm out whatever tasks you can.
Outsourcing some of your tasks does not mean you are lazy, it means you are smart. Yes, you might be capable of inputing 35 hours worth of data entry... however... wouldn't your business profit more if you paid an intern to do that quickly while you call back the 15 people who left messages about wanting your service? Use YOUR time wisely, and outsource the tasks you can. Obviously, there are some things that you need to do for yourself... but many things can be outsourced. You can find reputable freelancers on Elance.com, Freelance.com, or by posting an ad on your site for what you are looking for. Often times, you can find someone who will do your work for a much cheaper cost than you could have done it yourself, and it takes stress off you.
9. Meditate
Meditation is not just for hippies or tibetan monks. Mediation quiets YOUR thoughts and allows your subconsious to recieve the messages and information it needs to have in order to organize your thoughts and your day. Without meditation, our brains function like a computer that hasn't been degragged since 1986. Our brains take in a lot of information throughout the day... filing it properly and allowing it some downtime to process will ONLY benefit you. Nothing will be lost in this process and you don't have to be thinking and preparing for business 24/7. In fact, a bit of downtime does wonders of good for your business and health alike!
10. Noise Pollution: Stop It!
Maybe you can work in a busy environment. Maybe you live and work at home with 5 teenage boys running around. Kudos to you-- but everynow and then, sitting in a quiet space and getting some work done is beneficial. Focusing on a task requires some mental "blinders." Turn off the music, put away the buzzing phone, close the facebook, and turn off the TV. Send the kids outside to play with a babysitter for a few... and just WORK. Sitting alone with YOUR brain and working can be the most productive time of the day. Even if it is for 15 minutes, that uninterupted 15 minutes could be the difference between success and failure for the day.
These are just my tips, based on what works for me and how I've seen others benefit. Teaching my classes around the country has offered me an introspecitive view on daily life of entrepreneurs and business men and women. We have busy lives, but the amount of stuff we accomplish on a daily basis is AMAZING. Don't stress over lack of focus. Just find a way to get some back... and baby step your way towards office ZEN!
