Are you easily distracted? Do you have a fear of missing out or F.O.M.O?
Well if so you are not alone.
According to an article on Stopad.io, A typical office worker cannot focus on a task at hand for more than 11 continuous minutes. The average student can’t focus on a given task for more than two minutes without becoming distracted. If you are a typical Internet user, your online screen focus lasts a mere 40 seconds on average. The worst part? No matter what task you are distracted from or what form the interruption takes, once distracted, your brain needs an average of 25 minutes to get back to the original task.
25 minutes!
Stop and give that last point some real thought.
There are so many causes of distraction such as technology, online advertising, meetings and the list can take on new levels for entrepreneurs.
So How Can You Decrease The Noise & Increase The Peace In Your Business?
First it helps to define what is the meaning of peace? According to Merriam-Webster, it means “A state of tranquility or quiet.” There are more definitions but this was the first one listed and it captures the meaning wonderfully. So what is the secret to getting some of this wonderful peace? It starts with creating a system to handle communication, and using time blocks to complete work.
Create A System To Handle Email Communication - Do you check your email first thing in the morning before you even get out of bed or have had your first cup of Joe? Or even worse do you respond to a business email over the weekend or after hours. That’s no good:) Try using Boomerang for Gmail or Gmelius and using the GTD methods to decide what approach you will take with managing your email communication. According to Medium,com, “the GTD methodology, allows you to think of every email you get as either something you need to take action on, track, or refer to later. Having only 3 possible types of actions simplifies processing email in bulk. Less is more.
Create A System To Handle Phone Calls From Clients or Vendors - Are you a one person show without a team to help you with taking calls and booking appointments? Well there is a way to make sure you don’t lose out on potential clients by playing phone tag. Try using services like Reliable Receptionist, Answering Innovations, Specialty Answering Service or more options here.
Using Time Blocks - There are a ton of methods and tools available to use for creating more space to work more productive. According to Ladders.com and time management expert Kevin Kruse, “Top performers organize their day through time blocks instead of to-do lists.” This is mind blowing! Schedule time to complete specific work tasks throughout your day. So for example, if you’re writing a blogpost for your website you could schedule 2 thirty minute blocks of time to write interrupted. The key is to make sure you shut off your phone and are in a place that is free from interruption. You can also use apps like Focus Booster, Rescue Time or any one of these apps. If you are looking for a little music to help you to stay focus try Focus At Will.
We live in a world filled with noise and distractions. It’s hard to remember a time when technology was not a part of our lives. As an entrepreneur it is crucial that we take time to practice self-care by using tools to create more peace in our businesses so that we can give our clients the very best we have to offer. What are your best tips for creating more peace in your business?
Keep IT Sunny!
