During a recent meeting of one of my entrepreneur coaching groups, a common thread that wove its way throughout our conversation was that of focus. As entrepreneurs, we have a zillion different ways we can spend our time each day. I don't know about you but when I am faced with so many choices, I have a tendency to "freeze," not wanting to pick the "wrong" item to focus my attention on in any given moment. Or I have so many things to do I will spend a few minutes here, a few minutes there and before I know it, the day is over and I have really not accomplished anything! So, here is a collection of ideas for the question of focus. Which ones resonate with you? One person’s wisdom might be another’s folly so carefully consider what might work for you and ditch the rest! 1. If you've frozen into inactivity, just pick something! The energy and momentum gained from just getting started can help snap your brain into focus. 2. Stuck on what you should be focusing on? Refer back to your business plan. Don’t have one? Hmmmmmm…….perhaps another blog topic! But for now, ask the following questions: What is my vision? My purpose? Why am I doing this? Who am I doing this for? What do I want to accomplish? What is the most logical step forward from here? 3. If you can’t decide what the logical steps forward are - think about your ultimate goal and work your way BACKWARD, writing down each step as you go. 4. Consider incorporating meditation into your day to gain focus. 5. Lists can be a great way to maintain focus - here are a few ideas to try: a. Have a “Grand Master” list of everything you need to do b. Make daily lists from Grand Master c. At the end of each day, write the next’s days list d. At the beginning of each day, review that day’s list.
e. Update Grand Master at the end of your work week.
6. If one long list seems overwhelming, divide it up into categories like "Phone Calls," "Website," etc.
7. Are lists boring for you? They don't need to be! Borrow your kids' markers and add some color. Sit down with your favorite magazines and cut out pictures that speak to you and create a vision board. Use a dry-erase board with some funky colors if that's your thing. Or simply put sticky notes on a wall in your office - they are easily moved around when your priorities change. 8. Habits are established by repeating the desired behavior the same way, in the same place, at the same time every day. How could you incorporate your to-do list into your daily routine? For example, I like to get up before everyone else and get right to it. I review my list and try to knock off a few items before my daughter gets up. The satisfaction I get from getting a few things done creates energy that carries me through the rest of my day. But this is just me - if you think this might work for you, try it! But if not, don’t sweat it!
9. Are you into technology? There are habit-tracking and reminder apps that may help you stay on track with your goals. 10. Consider - what comes first: Motivation or Action? (hint: Do you ever FEEL like doing ______?)
Which of the above ideas will work for you? Keep what works and ditch the rest. Contact me if you have any questions or want to dig deeper!!
Helping you OWN It!
Sarah