Getting stuff done is paramount when you’re self-employed or running a small business.
After all, if you’re unable to deliver on your promises to customers (because you’re not productive) then you won’t be in business for long.
So, here’s a thought on how to focus to improve how much you achieve.
Now, it’s likely that you know that working on just one thing at a time is the best way of getting stuff done.
But, if you’re like most people, you’re probably being distracted by alerts, emails, calls, other people etc. And all of this pulls you away from your focus.
You see, it’s very easy to get distracted and also to try doing loads of things at the same time.
Not only that but you’ll have the constant temptation to think “I’ll just do this, it won’t take long”. This is a bad habit to have. It takes you away from what you’re supposed to be doing and eats away at your productivity.
Research shows that working on “one thing at a time” will boost your productivity almost immediately.
It’s a mistake to think that you can realistically achieve much if you have several tasks on the go at once.
That’s right; multi-tasking is a myth. It doesn’t work.
So, here’s a few:
Quick tips for getting stuff done (Focus)
- Switch off notifications for a while
- Switch off your email
- Put your phone on silent (and put it out of sight)
- If the task is on your computer, only have the windows that you need for the task open
- Start a timer and work in chunks (try the Pomodoro technique – https://youtu.be/1pADI_eZ_-U)
- Resist the temptation to ‘just do this other thing’ – this is most important bit
Overall, working on just one thing at a time takes some self-disciple.
But here’s the thing: if you struggle with focus then this is the most important self-improvement that you need.
Try it, I promise that the results will astound you when you get the hang of it.
Want more on “getting stuff done”? Check out:
Why you should get into automation in your business (article and video)
Give up multi-tasking if you want to get stuff done (podcast)
Further reading : Buy “The One Thing” from Amazon here : https://amzn.to/3f3I31V