12 Ways I Stay Focused as an Entrepreneur
If you’re an entrepreneur, I’m guessing you ventured intothe self-employed world for a few reasons, one of which was to have theflexibility to set your own schedule. While this freedom is usually a major benefit, it can also be one of thebiggest challenges for a new (or seasoned) entrepreneur.
It took years of experimenting with routines and settingboundaries for me to find a grove that works. It requires intentionality and commitment on a daily basis, but I’veestablished some clear ways to stay on track.
Here are 12 ways I stay focused as an entrepreneur:
1. Clean out my inbox – I’ve experimented with different approaches to this over the years, knowing that some productivity experts advise against checking email in the morning in favor of waiting until other tasks are completed first. Personally, I’ve found it more distracting to wonder what replies I received and what new opportunities came in since I last checked, so I start my weekdays checking emails. (Note that I rarely check my work email on weekends.) Checking and replying to what I can quickly usually takes less than 10 minutes. Note that because I’m mindful about what I subscribe to (I’ve unsubscribed to all but essential emails) I typically have less than 20 emails in my inboxes each morning. I check my email a few other times throughout the day and I clear as much as I can each time, leaving only what requires deeper focus later (which I’ll prioritize on my to do list each morning).
2. Clear my desk – If my desk iscluttered, so is my mind. Beingsurrounded by open projects and unnecessary items distracts me. I keep files folders in baskets near my deskand only the one I’m actually working on atop my desk while I’m working on it. On my desk, you’ll also find a lamp, myplanner, a map of the world, a plant, my colorful pens, a tiny container forpaperclips (handmade by one of my children) and a small glass antique birdthat’s there simply because I ABSOLUTELY LOVE it.
3. Remove digital distractions – Speakingof distractions, I’ve eliminated all digital notifications from apps on myphone except text messages and phone calls (which remain on silent 95% of thetime). I’m fine not knowing when I getan email and I don’t need to know when someone likes a post or comments onsocial media. I’ll see it when I decideto spend a few minutes focusing on that activity.
4. Schedule days for deep work – With allof the responsibilities that come along with having kids, having dogs, owning ahouse and car plus volunteering, fitness activities and everything else, I’dnever get into the focused work if I didn’t prioritize it and schedule time forit. I’m grateful for the flexibility tosqueeze in a mid-morning appointment or to walk the beaches on a sunny days,but I know that if I don’t schedule deep work periods, a week will fly by fastand I’ll never get to the work that matters most.
5. Work on big projects when I have the mostenergy – When I plan those deep work days, I’m intentional about when I’llhave the most brainpower and energy. Although each day brings new surprises, I do the best I can to predictwhen I’ll be energized and focused. Iknow that I’ll need to regroup after the weekend on Mondays and I’ll be itchingfor the weekend on Fridays, so deep work usually happens mid-week. I usually do my planning on Friday eveningsor Monday mornings once I have a sense of what’s on the schedule for the nextweek.
6. Schedule days off – I love working and honestly,I could do it every day. But I believein working hard and playing hard and I know that focused deep work days make itpossible to take long weekends off and to spend time with guests when they cometo visit.
7. Only do work in my office and shut the doorwhen I leave – For the first 4 ½ years of my entrepreneurial journey, my“workspace” was either a small desk in a corner of my bedroom or it happened tobe wherever I decided to sit and work. Having a dedicated office signals to me (and my family) that I’m at workwhen I’m in there and when I’m done working, I leave and shut the door (becauseit’s all too easy to slip back in there sometimes to do “just one more thing!”).
8. Journal every day or every few days –I’m always coming up with new ideas and brainstorming content. Whether it’s another domain I need to buy, anarticle I’m going to pitch or a quote I want to share, my thoughts are alwaysflowing. To sift through the ideas andkeep track of what might be worth pursuing, I write it all down in a dedicatedjournal. This process helps me sort mythoughts, clear space in my mind and ensure I won’t forget my insights.
9. Read how others achieve success – I find it helpful to read about other men and women throughout history who’ve pursued ideas, created movements and made an impact in the world. I enjoy reading their stories to stay motived and inspired. Steve Jobs and Brene Brown are two I often come back to and Cal Newport is one of my recent favorites.
10. Reach out to my mentors, coach andmastermind colleagues when I’m stuck or feeling off track – Although Ichoose to be a solopreneur, there are times when I need input, feedback, spaceto be heard and fresh perspectives. I’mgrateful for the men and women in my life who support me through challenges andwho celebrate my successes.
11. Dress for work on office days – To getin the zone of going to work, I always take a shower in the morning and dressfor work, even on office days. Sometimesmy work outfit includes yoga pants and my favorite comfy sweater, but I nevershow up for work in my pajamas.
12. Rewrite my to do list every day, sometimes twotimes per day – I rely on my digital calendar (iCal) to track all of mywork and personal appointments, but I also use a paper planner to record daily tasks (work andpersonal). At the beginning of the week(or end of the previous week) I pencil in my appointments for the week and I makea list of things I need to and things I want to get done that week. Every morning, I review the list, removing,reprioritizing and adding items as needed (based on emails I received overnight). On days when there are a lot of movingpieces, I’ll rewrite it again mid-day, just to clear the clutter of what’salready been completed and to make sure I’m on track with what I still need toaccomplish.
These habits, routines, and boundaries have helped me stay focused as an entrepreneur. By adhering to them, I’m able to be more efficient and productive, meet deadlines and get work done when I’m at my best. I invite you to experiment with one or try a few and let me know what works for you!