How are you feeling at the end of your work days? Like you've accomplished the most important things or wiped out and feeling like you're spinning your wheels?
It can be easy to spread your attention to a million things that are not even remotely related to your business goals and money making strategies. Here are a few of my secrets for staying focused on what's important.
1. Start your day the day before. At the end of your workday take a look at your calendar for the next day and see what you're committed to. Be sure you identify the most important thing that needs to be done -and you'll want to make that important activity something that will bring in income. Commit to doing that most important thing first. Give yourself the gift of at least one concentrated stretch of time to work on it -might be an hour -if that's too much for you maybe 30 minutes.
2. Start with the end in mind. When you sit down to your desk, make a quick visualization as part of your workday ritual. Read your written vision (you do have your vision written down, right?). Imagine the day going perfectly -you deserve to have a perfect day! See yourself acting confidently, accomplishing your important goals, and anticipating unexpected opportunities. Then jump in and start living that perfect day.
3. Create deadlines for yourself. Goals without deadlines remain dreams. You need to get your goals on your calendar. Even better, share your commitment with others. For example, if you're thinking of giving a teleseminar, the very first thing you do is choose a date and time (no more than 4 weeks out). Then write a brief paragraph with a few bullet points about what participants will learn in your teleseminar and then put it out into the world. Email your list with a save the date notice. Now you're committed! This will pull you forward because you won't want to let folks down.
4. Take a break. The joy of self employment is that you get to set where and when you work. You might want to take your work outside. Don't expect to be able to concentrate on one thing for too long -we each have our limits. I like to focus on one project for up to an hour and then switch to another. I can often come back to the first one after I've had a break from it. Take a walk if you're feeling stuck or beginning to feel drained. Go ahead and surf the web for topics that make your heart sing -just give yourself a time limit so you don't fritter away your time.
5. End your work feeling great. When you work from home, it's too easy to check emails after hours and on weekends. Create a ritual that says "I'm done for now." I like to leave my desk clean and ready for the next day's work. I check my schedule for the next day and then leave it behind. Oh sure, you will no doubt have creative ideas about your business after hours...just jot down those ideas and get back to enjoying the life you've created for yourself -it's more than just your work.
Would love to hear any tips you have for staying focused. Post yours here. http://authenticlifeinstitute.com/blog/
Ann Ronan, Ph.D. is an author, speaker, certified career coach and self employment expert, and vision generator.
Ann delivers smart, simple ways for people to acknowledge what they love to do and do more of it. Her articles, products, and books have motivated and inspired readers in numerous print and online publications. She regularly leads coaching programs, tele-seminars and live retreats, bringing the message to audiences internationally that living a passion-based life will bring prosperity and success.
She was recently selected from a nationwide search to be featured in Discover Your Inner Strength. The book features best-selling authors Stephen R. Covey (Seven Habits of Highly Effective People), Brian Tracy (Million Dollar Habits), and Ken Blanchard (One Minute Manager).