Top 20 Things That Keep You Focused

15 May Top 20 Things That Keep You Focused

Being an entrepreneur comes with lots of creativity, control, but, most importantly, a lot of distractions. At any given moment, you’re pulled in at least 4 different directions that all require your complete attention. But, how you manage your time and focus will be key in getting things done. Here are my top 20 must-dos to ensure that you’re primed for success (and can focus) every day.

1. Exercise. Whether you’re a gym rat or like casual exercise, get up and out moving at least three times a week. I find starting my day with a good workout helps clear my head and gives me the energy to stay focused throughout the day.
2. Create block time. How you manage your time is important. I chunk my time into one-hour blocks. I work for 50 minutes, then take a 10-minute break. This not only helps me focus intensely each hour, but it gives me built-in times to re-energize.
3. Choose the right environment. What does your workspace look like? If it’s cluttered, has poor lighting, or is otherwise distracting, find ways now to get it to be how you need it to be successful.
4. Use a calendar. Simply put, write everything down. All too often entrepreneurs try to keep everything in their heads. Not only is this not efficient, but it also introduces a level of mental “clutter” that makes it hard for you to focus. Plan out your week in advance and stay clear on what you need to accomplish.
5. Disengage notifications. Having constant buzzing, ringing, beeping – you name it can break your concentration. When you’re dialed into getting work done, turn everything off. The key is to create the time and space for you to remain focused – no matter what.
6. Do the important stuff first. I always recommend creating priority lists each day. I knock out the must-do items first, when I am fresh and energized. If you put off important items for later in the day, you run the risk of them not getting done.
7. Get a stand-up desk. Standing is a great way to stay active and avoid the sedentary lag that happens when we sit for too long. Plus, studies have found that you are more alert, you are engaging more of your body when you’re standing which helps keep your brain focused on the task at hand.
8. Take physical notes. When you use pen and paper, instead of a computer, to take notes or even write down ideas, it helps you avoid unnecessary distractions like looking up random things or getting sidetracked by an email notification.
9. Plan your top three priorities. Whether you do this on a daily or weekly basis, this is good to keep you and your teams laser-focused on what is important to achieve. This helps you also avoid spending time on low-value, low-impact tasks.
10. Breathe and get centered. Small things like taking time to breathe in and calm your nerves can go a long way in getting you in the right mindset to perform at your best. Even using air diffusers or essential oils can kickstart your mood and energy too.
11. Stay organized. If you don’t have a filing system that works for you, then now is the time to make sure you have what you need to stay organized. The faster you can find what you need, when you need it, the less likely you’ll be thrown off track or get frustrated.
12. Take breaks outside. Getting out of your office to be out in nature can boost your energy levels and get you ready to focus when you return back to your work. Sometimes taking a quick break can be a great way to clear your mind and allow you to generate ideas.
13. Get up early. I try to avoid sleeping in. When you’re able to get up and start your day early, you’ll be amazed at how much you can get done before lunch. Putting together a morning routine like exercising before work can be a good way to get you up and out of bed early.
14. Get good sleep. When you don’t have adequate rest, it is almost impossible to perform at your best. Make sure you get at least 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night and ensure that your sleeping area is suited for this goal too.
15. Smile to set your mood. The more you smile, the more energized you’ll feel. Taking a positive outlook into your work will also help you achieve more and stay focused.
16. Have an accountability partner. There’s no better way to stay on track than with an accountability partner. Whether you post your goal on social media or have someone check in with you about your progress, knowing that you have someone who will hold you to it can help jumpstart your focus when it weans.
17. Try positive self-talk. Watch what you tell yourself. You want to replace any “I can’ts…” with “I wills…” What you believe you can do, is what you’ll achieve, so be sure to get your mind right!
18. Work when you work best. You should be in tune with yourself enough to know when you are your most productive. Is it after your morning workout? In the mid-day? Or in the evening? Either way, structure your day so you can maximize your productivity.
19. Get away from people. Having time for yourself to clear your mind and think can go a long way in helping you focus. If you work in a busy office environment, then planning workdays in a quiet conference room can be an effective strategy to get you the time and space you need to be productive.
20. Identify your target. You want to know what you’re aiming for at all times. When you have clear, well-defined goals in mind, then it is easy to know exactly where you should be focusing your efforts.

There you have it, my top 20 tips to get you focused, every day, without fail.