What Works: Focus Does!

Hello Carson City! If you went through a little column withdrawal last week, I apologize. I was traveling back from Brendon Burchard’s High Performance Academy. A coach and consultant’s education is never done and I am thrilled to come back armed with new insights, techniques, and research to boost your productivity and focus.

This week, I want to talk about focus. In the era of text messages, social media, and attention on demand, it can be easy to get pulled away from your focus. Here are some strategies which will help you find your track and stay on it.

No 1: Find your focus.
If you did ONE thing, what do you do? I can hear it now. Diane, I don’t do one thing. If I did one thing my business wouldn’t work. But, I am not talking about one thing tactically. I am talking about your strategic focus. Who do you serve and what do you do? I will give my own business as an example.

I work with individuals and companies in transition or crisis to discover opportunity and take action to create results.

This answers five key questions about your focus. Again, I’m using my company as an example.
What I do… I work.
Who I do it for… Individuals and companies
To solve what problem… Transition or crisis
To do what… Discover opportunity and take action
To what end… To create results
Try applying this formula to what you do. Post your focus below in the comments to share it.

No. 2: Reduce distractions.
Notice I did not say eliminate distractions. Be realistic here. You will get distracted. Be gentle with yourself when you are.

What is your main thing right now? Choose one and go for it. While you are going for it, that’s when your distractions will start chirping. Here are some strategies to deal with it.

Plan when you touch your phone and inbox. I loved it when Brendon Burchard said, “beware of your inbox; it’s nothing but a convenient organizing system for other people’s agendas.”

When distracted, catch yourself. Stop and say, “Got distracted” and pull back to your focus task.

Take breaks. Sitting and forcing yourself through a task is a way to get less done, not more. Get up and walk, stretch, get some water, or go to the bathroom. Every hour you should be up at least once. Then, when your break is done, get back on track.

Set boundaries. If you have co-workers, communicate with them. Tell them when you are in focus time. Cubicle conversations can suck up as much as 40% of your day. Would you feel less time crunched if you had that time back? Would you have more focus? Quite possibly! Communicate your energy needs to your friends and co-workers.

No. 3: Know your path to success.
One of the biggest crushers of focus is overloading with things that don’t match that focus. Know what you must accomplish today, no matter what. Do not overload your list! This leads to overwhelm.

Start with things you must accomplish and list the steps to completion. Brendon Burchard recommended no more than five steps. If there are less steps, great. Plan your path for no more than three projects. Then, address your projects one at a time.

But, Diane, I’m being pulled in different directions all the time. People demand my attention.
This leads me into your 4th strategy.

No. 4: Self-management.
If your boss needs something now, you might need to reorganize and see what they need. Then, work it into your flow privately. However, if you are the boss, you have more power over your schedule. Practice saying yes and setting a boundary.

Yes, I can meet with you and we can do it tomorrow at 2 pm.

Yes, I can help with that that and Mary has asked if she can support someone. Maybe see if she can help you first? I will be available after 3 pm.

No matter your role, how you do your work is under your control. In fact, you are the only person on the earth you can fully control. Knowing this, self-management is an essential skill. Take some time to check in with yourself.

What is the need?
What is its priority in relation to my other priorities (A = Must Do, B = Should Do, C = Nice To Do)
Am I the only resource for this project? Can I use team to help?
What is the real deadline for this project?
What will I give up if I put this first right now? Is it worth it?
When you have focus, reduce distractions, know your path, and become skilled at self-management, nothing will stop you from achieving what you want. Have questions? Post them below. Need help? I’m right here in Carson City.

LEARN AND GROW







Ongoing: Motivation Monday with Diane Dye Hansen at Adams Hub for Innovation from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (Email grow@adamshub.com to schedule an appointment).
March 21, 2017: How to Use LinkedIn to Build Your Business – Tuesday Lunchbox Training Noon – 1:00 pm at Adams Hub for Innovation.

April 8, 2017: Diane (Big) and Isabell (Little) speak at the Big Chefs, Big Gala for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northern Nevada at the Grand Sierra Resort. Go here to sign up.

April 12, 2017: Diane mentors at Entrepreneurs Assembly (Occurs the 2nd Wednesday of each month in The Studio at Adams Hub for Innovation).

May 4, 2017: What Works for Forward Momentum, Diane speaks at the American Business Women’s Association, Reno-Tahoe Express Network, Atlantis Casino, Non-members: $25 includes lunch, INVITATION ONLY - Email diane@whatworkscoaching.com for an invitation and details.


June 20, 2017: What Works for Forward Momentum, Professional Saleswomen Network (PSN), Living the Good Life, 11:30 a.m.

Coming Summer 2017: 10 Steps to Business Success Workshop – 6-week online class – Sign up here for the What Works for Inspiration newsletter to receive details when available. 

Need personalized help? Schedule your individual or group coaching session, including a free 30-minute consultation at whatworkscoaching.com.

What Works Coaching

Diane Dye Hansen is the Chief Inspiration Officer of What Works Coaching, an individual and organizational coaching and consulting firm based in Carson City. She has 20 years of experience working with top corporations, growing businesses, motivated entrepreneurs, and individuals hungry for a fresh start. Diane holds a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Marketing from Cal State San Bernardino. She is also a candidate for a Master’s degree in Communications Management from the University of Southern California. Her column appears every Monday, and sometimes Tuesday, in Carson Now.