Have you started to countdown to the end of the day? Are you overwhelmed? Are you exhausted? Do you easily get distracted? Whether you own your own business or work for someone else, we have all had these feelings.
Some days I have even thought “it would be easier to go back to work”. Who am I kidding? These feelings are usually a result of playing the “comparison game” then trying to follow what someone else is doing. The result, I am headed in a 100 different directions making no progress at all. So, I usually
No, it isn’t easy but you have to decide if you want to focus or give up. Yep! Are you going to focus on one direction, one massive goal or give up and give in to all all the competing images and blogs and social media streams?
Listen. I get it. I fight the comparison game too!
I love the opportunity to get my cup filled from the AMAZING Carrie Wilkerson on a regular basis as a leader with Thirty One.
Staying focused is not easy. It takes practice. Here are some tips to help:
1. I am on ONE thing at a time.
Yes, ONE! I have a daily checklist of the things I must get done every day. I work each thing one at a time. I close the tabs my computer so I’m not scrolling through Facebook or watching for alerts to come through, or watching for incoming emails. One thing at a time. I used this same theory years ago with paper. It worked then and it works now!
2. Invest (pay ) in ONE course or seminar or conference per year.
I know there is ALOT of FREE classes and offers out there. I have signed up for many of them and then don’t attend. I’m trying to focus on ONE skill for the year. No, it isn’t easy. I have been the “I want the magic wand” type of girl and it just hasn’t worked. So it is time for a change. If you are going to pay for a training, find the person who you connect with. Honestly, I have paid for lots of classes and got nothing out of some of them. I have followed lots of coaches but have found only two whose tips have really helped me in my business. Guess what? I’m sticking with them. Will I still take some free classes? YES! But, I won’t be spending money to “try them out”.
3. I am intentional on social media.
This is a work in progress for me. Learn your audience. I actually did a poll in my VIP Facebook group to ask them what things would be helpful and fun for them. I used to watch my friends and do what they did but I stopped because I usually end up feeling inadequate which is not helpful in growing my business. I use Cinchshare to ensure consistency in my posts BUT I also jump in and share things at random. I always make sure I stop in to see who has liked or commented on posts.
4. I have my work scheduled.
The truth is what we schedule… happens. Think about your hair appointment, dentist appointments or even lunch with your parents or kids. Does it mean “You Must Have xx Hours Set’? No, it means you need to schedule what works best for you. I have found the consistency pays off. Did you ever take up an instrument? I played the piano for years. It took lots of time practicing a little bit daily (30 minutes or so) moved me along faster than cramming 5 hours of practice in once a week. Be consistent and schedule. Will my week look the same as yours? NOPE! I am up early and in my office usually by 6:30AM. Hubby is off on Monday and Tuesdays so these are my weekends with limited hours in the office. You need to set aside time for the things which are important to you. I plan out my week each Sunday night. I have a morning routine and an evening routine (hubby works swing shift). It allows me to be consistent and work towards my goals.
I know this isn’t rocket science or brain surgery and I am sure you have heard these tips a million times. I’m sure I have even written about them before. Remember “you can’t get different results if you keep doing the same things”. So are you ready to try something new?
Hope this was helpful and here’s to a ThirtyOne-derful weekend!
Hope Wissel 