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Power Intervals
To move the needle, create chunks of time for your key activities where you have the most energy and inspiration. Schedule at least 30 to 90 minutes each day during the week to focus on the top FEW VIPs, like creating opportunities in your business or getting systems built and running to scale.
Create space for these sweet spots to facilitate focus and flow.
Dealing With Distractions
To find that deep focus and flow with those VIPs, here’s the system:
Step 1: Put your weapon of mass distraction—that “smart phone”—on “Do Not Disturb” and out of your sight. Research shows that if it’s near you, it has a piece of your mind share and is distracting you.
Step 2: Choose a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed. I had to lock my office door and post a sign that said “Power Interval Happening NOW! Please don’t disturb my flow!”
Step 3: Play some soft instrumental music—headphones are a plus.
Step 4: Set a timer for 30 to 90 minutes.
Step 5: Drop in and be present. Do not check email. Do not give in to the temptation to scroll or look at texts. Be focused on one thing and see what happens. The progress you can make when you’re not multitasking will shock you!
The Magic of a Deadline
Many of the entrepreneurs and business owners I work with are running their own company, and they are also in charge of their own sales and production. More often than not, that production keeps the doors open as they build and scale their offerings, products, and systems.
My CEO Mama client Tamara was losing her mind (among other things) in this scenario with so many hats to wear. Working 80+ hours a week left her burned out and ineffective, and she kept missing family dinners and kids’ activities. It was taking a big toll on her marriage too. When she lost it during one of our meetings, we talked through a strategy that changed everything.
I challenged her to determine the number of hours she was willing and able to commit to each VIP hat every week. That was the time she had. When that time was up, it was up. She had to manage her inner control freak, take off a couple of hats, hire some talent, and stay within the structure we created.
The change took months, and hiring and training took a few more. But she went from 80 uncontrolled hours to 40 intentional and focused ones. She doubled her production, increased her leverage, and saved her relationships and sanity too. I recommend this strategy if you find yourself spread too thin.
Utilizing these high-performance strategies can create structures we choose to give us space, freedom, and focus. And as we commit to them, we’ll see the massive benefits as they become the way we live and work every day.
Implement Focus February today.
Start living by your determined structure and choices.
The more space you create for the activities that matter, the more you will feel like you are moving in the right direction, giving you the confidence and capacity to navigate your busy, precious life.
That’s a much more enjoyable and productive ride than the crazy train we talked about earlier isn’t it?
I'll keep you posted on my progress...please keep me posted on yours.
And if you need guidance on putting these structures into your life & business, I have a couple consulting spots available. Apply for a complimentary call here.
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