How to stay focused on your business

One of the most important things you can do for your business is to make sure you stay focused. Multitasking has been shown to be nothing more than an illusion. You simply can’t do more than one thing well at a time.

If you want to get more done, in less time, here are some ways to stay focused.

use a calendar

Your calendar is your best friend when it comes to staying focused. Use it to make a list of the things you’re supposed to do each day and to set deadlines and checkpoints to make sure you’re being effective.

prioritize

If you have a to-do list, it’s important to prioritize what you’re doing so you can get the most important things done first. Everyone’s priorities will be different. The truth is, if you’re a small business owner, your first priority each day should be doing the work you need to do yourself as your “first” customer.

turn off the noise

Turn off your phone, your cell phone, your email, your social networks and focus on everything you are doing 100%. Don’t focus on all the noise around you. It’s really hard to do, but you’ll find that the work you produce is of higher quality and you’ll get it done faster.

Go for a walk

Whether it’s a walk or another type of exercise or movement…before you get down to work on any project, make sure to get moving. Take a deep breath in, take a deep breath out, and clear your mind of all the junk going through it so you can focus.

Your time

Try not to work for more than 90 minutes at a time without a break. Taking frequent breaks where you get away from your work or project for at least five minutes will do wonders for your ability to focus. But, don’t use this time as email review time. Get away from your desk and do something else.

stop multitasking

It’s gone crazy that people have started to see multitasking as a virtue. The truth is that it is very inefficient, causes excessive stress and does not get things done faster. Also, usually what you do when you’re not focused is of lower quality and you can’t do as much.

give yourself enough time

Trying to do everything fast and overscheduling is a sure way to lose focus. Instead, take more time than you think it will take to give yourself plenty of free time. Being stressed and rushing is a way to make mistakes.