If you’ve been around my blog for more than five minutes you’ll know I’m pretty passionate about business success.
And I think one of the most powerful ways to achieve that is by squeezing the absolute most I can out of my time. You see, I know that the more I get done, the more successful my business will be.
Now you might think the answer is time management.
Well it isn’t. In fact I think the phrase is a myth – it just DOES NOT exist! Unless you’re Marty McFly you cannot turn back the clock. Optimum productivity comes when you efficiently manage yourself.
And one of the simplest ways to do that is to learn how to FOCUS. You see, if you hone your powers of concentration, you will get more stuff done. It’s really that simple.
And here are seven simple ways to nail it…
1. Stay well – physically
If you’re tired, hungry or generally feeling under the weather you’re going to find it really difficult to settle and focus. It means you have to check yourself when you fall into the routine of late nights, excessive hours and poor diet.
For sure running your own micro business does put you under pressure. But if you let go of the basics, your productivity and output will suffer in the long run. So eat well, take breaks more and please get enough sleep.
2. Check your motivation and enthusiasm
You probably LOVE the core stuff in your business. For example, if you’re a designer you’ll find it easy to lose track of time and get lost in your creativity.
If only micro business life was that mono-focussed! Instead you find yourself spinning a lot of plates and juggling bookkeeping, admin, invoice chasing and other essential (if boring) jobs. And if you loathe this type of work, you’re more likely to procrastinate or work slower.
So if that sounds familiar consider outsourcing these tasks to a VA. And if that’s not an option – sorry – you’ve just got to get more disciplined.x
3. Manage your emotions
As you know it’s much easier to concentrate if your mind is not distracted. And whilst we think we can multi-task, the truth is, if you think or do something else when you’re in the middle of a piece of work, it will take longer to get back into the zone and on track.
It’s ALWAYS more efficient to work on just one thing. Multi tasking = Multi stupid.
4. Take the pressure off your mind
It’s really inefficient to rely on your memory to remember the tasks, jobs and work you have to complete.
So instead write lists, use your diary and scribble on post-its to get stuff out of your head and into a physical form.
Alternatively considering investing in some business management software. For example, SpinLessPlates enables you to keep track of all your enquires, quotes, sales and invoices from just one dashboard. It means you can see at the click of a button any outstanding work, any enquiries that need following up, any quotes that need to be responded to etc. You’ll find it significantly easier than trying to remember – and you’ll free up thinking space to get more stuff done.
SpinLessPlates: Small business management dashboard
5. Watch out for stress and anxiety
For sure some days are going to be more difficult than others. Running a micro business is a roller coaster and you’ll need to ride the highs and lows.
The highs are easy. They are fun and exhilarating. It’s the lows you need to watch out for. At times you’ll doubt your ability and struggle to figure out what to do next. Even worse, if enquiries dry up or your cash flow takes a hit it can get very stressful. With stress it’s hard to think straight and figure out what’s needed to move your forward.
It’s well worth taking some time to identify positive ways to deal with your own stress. For example, have regular massages, take long walks or find an interest you really enjoy that takes you right away from the working environment.
You’ll find if you take a break your mind (and body) can rest allowing you to return to work refreshed and refocused.
6. Create your optimum working environment
The place where you work will have a big impact on your ability to concentrate.
For example if you’re too hot (or too cold), your physical well being will suffer and you’ll find it hard to stay focused. Similarly if you don’t have enough room, if you’re not comfortable or if you lack the tools you need to work effectively, you’re going to find it very tricky to get your head down and get the job done.
7. Work smarter, NOT harder
It seems too simple but the level of implementation in your business really will make the difference between success and super success. As Dan Kennedy says in his book No B.S. Marketing to the Affluent:
“If ordinary people realised how ordinary in capability most millionaires are, there’d be a lot more millionaires”.
Your key to more success in your business is focus and concentration.
So please tell me. How have you honed your powers of concentration? What tactics do you use to avoid losing focus? Please share in the comments below.
P.S: And if you’re at the point where you know you need a more systemised approach to managing your business, take a closer look at SpinLessPlates HERE. There’s no obligation, no risk and I’ll even spend some time chatting via Skype or GoToMeeting to show you how this software could enhance your productivity.