The survey has resulted in several questions around the idea of implementing, staying focused and doing it in a way that you’re not working 60+ hour work weeks in your business.
The below question seems to sum it up…
How do other people "force" themselves to stay focused on the task at hand? How do they get everything done and still have time for a personal life? Balance … how do they achieve balance?
Let me start by saying that if you feel the need to "force" yourself to stay focused, you may want to consider what you’re doing and if that particular project/task is something that can be delegated.
If it’s a matter of too much to do, what do I do next, it’s a matter of prioritization and I’d like you to ask yourself the following questions:
1. What is my NUMBER ONE priority right now? It it growing my ezine list? Is it increasing revenue (getting more paying clients)? WHAT is it?
2. Once you know the WHAT, HOW are you going to achieve your goal/priority? Grab a pen and paper and brainstorm ideas about how you can reach your goal (no censoring — write them all down).
3. Start implementing. If you don’t know how to do everything on your list, that’s okay…start with the things you DO know and ensure that you do AT LEAST 2-3 things PER DAY to move your goal forward.
Many of my clients lose focus because they’re not sure what their WHY is. WHY are you in business doing what you’re doing? What’s your biggest, brightest goal? Do you have a Vision Board (which you see every day) with words and pictures of what you’ll have or what you’ll do once you’ve attained your goal?
These are all ways to keep you focused on doing what you need to be doing in order to reach your goal. You’ll be amazed at how this simple act of prioritizing will allow you to get more done.
And remember my absolute hands-down favorite tool for getting more done while in the office…my Polder timer (you can get them at Target or other department stores). When I’m working against the timer, I hunker down and stay completely focused on the project at hand.
For balance, it’s important to remember that your home office is just that — AN OFFICE. Establish business hours for when you are working (even if your "office" is your kitchen table) and when you’re not.
A great source to help with this is JOTT (www.jott.com) — if you’re hit with a business idea, pick up the phone and "call it in". When you go back into the office, an email will be waiting for you with whatever you said transcribed.
Don’t like the phone? Keep a notepad nearby and jot (no pun intended) down your thoughts.
I’m guessing that you didn’t go into business for yourself to be a workaholic — set boundaries, with clients, with yourself and with your officetime and stick to them. All aspects of your life will improve as a result.