Having your own business offers a world of freedom…no one to tell you what to do or check in with every day. However, with this increase in flexibility also comes a rise in accountability. If an assignment is late or you don’t contact a vendor on time, then you’re fully responsible. Even the most self-controlled entrepreneurs will have their discipline tested every now and then, so how is it that when distractions are literally in the palm of our hands, can we ensure that we’ll stay focused and get our work done?
On Today’s To-Do List… Make a To-Do List
It may seem simple but write down everything you need to get done before you start working. More than likely, you’re going to have an influx of requests throughout the day but if you have a visual of the things you know you NEED to get done, you’ll increase your chances of staying on task. Not only is it satisfying to cross off things on your to-do list; but by the end of the day, you can be proud to see what you were able to accomplish.
Subtract the things that Distract
With access to distractions literally a click away, it’s never been easier to go from reviewing budget sheet to online buying bedsheets. If you’re managing your social media account, one minute you can be posting about your brand and an hour later you’re looking at puppies wearing hats…I mean it’s easier than you think, people. So, if it’s possible to do so, set time blocks where you put your phone in another room where you can’t reach for it. If you need your mobile, there’s some great apps like Rescue Time that not only offer a feature that allows you to block certain sites and apps for a period of time that set, but also keeps track of where you’re spending your day online or in-app.
Don’t Punish Yourself
You may be a business powerhouse but keep in mind that you’re a human who’s going to get distracted every now and then. The worst thing you can do is waste even more time dwelling about it; so if you’re frustrated that you submitted something late or spent too much time reading about the unexpected friendship between a baby pig and golden retriever (obviously not talking from personal experience here), give yourself five minutes to sulk about it and then get back to doing your work.
Put on the Brakes and Take a Break
It’s actually counter-productive to work across long stretches of time without getting up to breathe. To not only encourage more productivity, but also prevent burn out, take a short 10 minutes break after every 90 minutes of work. If you need to commit to three or four hour stretches, then make sure to give yourself 30 minutes to recoup.
You’ve already done the hard part…taking the leap to start your own business. And while there’s no way of getting around the long days and nights that accompany the entrepreneurial spirit, remembering to take the time to breathe is of the utmost importance. It will give your brain a second to reset, resulting in higher quality work, better ideas and an overall increase in productivity. (p.s. note that I kept this short so you could enjoy another 11 minutes of your break)
