They say the human mind can only hold 5-7 things in its memory at any one time. And I believe it. Hey, (a secret admission here), there are times in business that there seems to be much going on that I feel like a crazed monkey who is on his 15th cup of coffee. Jumping from one thing to the next.

Have you ever felt like this?

I had a session with a client last week and he wanted to know how to get more focused. He has 23 projects on the boil that he wanted to FOCUS on.

See the irony of that!  It’s not called focus when you’ve got 23 things to do, it’s called business A.D.D.

So how do you get off the treadmill of distractions and lift your performance?

How To Increase Your Focus

I could give you a whole bunch of things to do. Hmmm, but come to think of it, that  would just add some more things to your list, and isn’t THAT part of the problem.

Step 1 – Stop the Interruptions

“Every interruption is doing you damage”. Studies have shown there is an average of 6 minutes spent on each interruption, from handling it, to getting back on track again.

Closed Door Policy – Simple, if you have a team, learn to shut your door. If you are feeling guilty about being out of touch, run a regular once a week team meeting.

Turn Off The Phone – How could you?? Well before the days of answering mobile phones on trains and in bathrooms, we used to survive quite well without having someone calling us at the drop of a hat. Break your phone addiction.

Avoid email in the morning, do it in batch – Email is a killer for some businesses. Please use it responsibly.

Step 2 – Stop Playing the Martyr

Resign your position as the sole manager of the universe and start letting go.

Take Your Time Before Saying Yes – Or Just Say No as by default. Most people say “Yes” to anything without really thinking of the impact. Don’t make yourself an easy target for other peoples problems.

Create a Someday Maybe File – Stalled on whether you should or shouldn’t, throw it in the file and worry about it when it gets important.

Step 3 – Increase Your Focal Point – Work Out What Is Important

If you know what is important, then you know what to stop doing and start doing.

Have Goals, Set Targets and Make A One Page Plan – You need to have your eyes on the prize. And keep them there.

Prioritise Between Urgent and Important – Know the difference. Work on the important in front of the urgent as much as you can. Even if it hurts.

Step 4 – Get Organised

Block Out Time With Yourself – Tell people you aren’t available. Train your gatekeepers to protect your time ferociously. Book one hour meetings with yourself to get things done.

To Do Lists – Yes, if you don’t have a list of the top 3 things you need to move your business forward today then you need to.

Tick em off and see the results.

GET MOVING: Block out an hour tomorrow to get started. Remember you can make more money but you can’t make more time.

Article by- Cecille Garcia at Reality Consulting – www.realityconsulting.com.au