This week I wanted to shed some light on a topic that has been a struggle for me recently…getting refocused on my business!! In a world that is constantly striving for your attention, it takes a whole lot of intention to stay focused on what you need for your business. I know how important it is to have designated time to focus on your business, creating quarterly goals, batching your content, mind maps, etc. BUT, it doesn’t mean I am always as consistent as I need to be. I’ve gathered some helpful tips and tools for both of us to walk through when we are finding ourselves having trouble refocusing on our business.
Identify Situations that are Triggering Distractions for you.
To help refocus on your business, identify situations that are triggering distractions for you. Look back at weeks prior and evaluate when you were the most productive. Where did you have some troubles? There are so many variables in your life that are changing each day. These variables (sleep, eat, family, schedules, etc.) have a HUGE effect on you and they are different for each person. There is so much power in identifying what these variables are for you specifically, and if they are supporting or hindering you from focusing on the important things in your business! Does this mean that knowing these leads to never struggling with focus again? Of course not! BUT, it equips you to create a strategic game plan for yourself.
Take a Deep Breath
This next tip may seem super simple, but it is so important…Take a DEEP breath! I have to remind clients of this all of the time. We get caught up in all of the complex tips for our business and forget to work with our bodies. In moments where you feel in over your head, take a step back and take a deep breath. Take 5-10 minutes and close your eyes, refocus your thoughts, go for a walk, etc. It’s so important to be intuitive to what your body and mind are telling you. Most of the time, a small break can do wonders for you.
Change your Environment
Next up, if you’re trying to refocus on your business, change your environment. Try going to a new location. That may seem like a daunting task, but there are a lot of free options out there. You can go to a Starbucks, sit inside a Barnes and Noble, or go to a library. Pick a place that is quiet and where you’ll be able to put some headphones on, relax and get some work done. Another idea could be going on a “stay-cation”. This just means booking a local hotel for one or two nights where you’re allowed to just unplug and can focus a little bit more. Get away from the usual distractions and you’ll be able to focus better.
This could also mean changing up your everyday workplace. If you have your own home office, maybe get a different chair, move your computer location, or get some new decorations. Turn on the TV for some background noise or find a new favorite soundtrack to play. In addition to sounds, smell is also a great tool. Pick a scent that feels comforting to you that makes you feel safe or happy.
Prioritize your Tasks
The choices of tasks to complete in a day can seem overwhelming. Between work life and home life, the options are endless. If you stare at it all at once, it can paralyze you to where you can think, “There’s way too much” and end up accomplishing nothing. Instead of allowing the weight of it to consume you, think about what’s important that you can accomplish right now. What do you need to focus on? What is your highest priority? And most importantly, what can you do to make progress?
When you prioritize your daily tasks, you can feel like you have control over it. Your day can feel less daunting and you can have a plan for what you need to accomplish. This can minimize your stress and feeling of being behind, setting you up for success.
Use your Time Effectively
Earlier, I talked about finding the distractions in your life and removing them. Following that same idea but with a twist, evaluate your day and press into the good. If you know that you have one hour in the morning, utilize it as much as you possibly can. Put away your phone, turn on Do Not Disturb, have a sitter come over, etc.
Find the gaps in your day that you know can be purposeful. For example, if like you’re me, and you have to take your son to the soccer game, can you bring your laptop? If you take your kids to extracurricular activities, you know you’re really not doing much. So, take a notebook, take your computer, bring your phone, jot down notes, write an email. Instead of using that as an impediment to what’s blocking you, you’re now re-framing it in a way that redeems that time and helps you progress and focuses on your goals for your business
Set a Timer
In my opinion, the easiest way to refocus on your business is to set a timer. It may seem childish, but once you try it you’ll never go back. Choose a goal and set a timer for any time between 15-20 minutes. Put aside any distractions and get to work. Super simple, yet extremely effective. I do this a lot in my Strategy for Creatives Facebook Group. You will be surprised how much you can get done in the span of 15 to 20 minutes. Setting a timer also stops you from consistently checking your phone to see the time. When you set a timer, you know that your time is structured and there is no need to check it. This leads to eliminating the temptation to see notifications and get distracted from the task on hand.
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