1. Know what
actually matters. Be honest with yourself about the actions that truly move the
needle in your business and your life. An 80/20 analysis is a great place to start.
If you’re stuck, just think of the tasks you fear the most–that give you
anxiety just to think about. Those are likely the most important.
2. Pick your
top 2-3 core tasks each day. These are the things that must happen no matter
what. If you get these done your day is a success. Stick to no more than three,
or better yet one. They must move you closer to your big goals. Checking email
does not count.
3. Do not
connect to anything until your core tasks are done. Don’t convince yourself you
need the internet or email to do your most important tasks. 95% of the time you
don’t. Leave the internet off and phone on airplane mode until you crush
through the important.
4. Kill
multitasking. Stop thinking it’s more efficient. It’s not. No surfing during
phone calls, reading during meals, chatting while writing. Do one thing at a
time. Simple. Not only is multitasking terribly inefficient but it stresses you
out and it’s rude to anyone around you.
5. Take
breaks and reward yourself. Most of us can only intensely focus on something
for an hour at best. Take at least a few-minute break every 30 or 60 minutes to
clear your head. Find a fun way to get you free and clear. Take a walk,
meditate, feed the ducks, breathe, get a snack or some water or listen to an
inspiring song.
6. Turn off
email and notifications (and anything else that interrupts you). When you sit
down to do something, nothing else gets attention. Just because someone decides
to email, chat or call you, doesn’t mean it’s more important. Those things can
wait. But if you know they are waiting there, you’ll be too tempted. Avoid
temptation at all cost.
