What You’re Probably NOT Focusing On (that you should be…)

So often, we start the new year or a new project with a huge list of things we want to accomplish.

This can be a powerful tool, but it’s not all there is.

In addition to creating your new year by looking at WHAT you’re going to do, I want you to pay some serious attention to HOW you’re going to do it.

Every successful business owner knows (and most have learned the hard way) that without some foundational practices in place, they just can’t sustain over time.

I call these foundational business building areas the TOOLS: Time Management, Organization, Office Environment Loving Self Care, and Support.

Here are 5 simple tips to upgrade your TOOLS so YOU can have one of your most productive, prosperous, and joyful years ever!

TIME MANAGEMENT

Your time really IS your biggest asset! And how you spend it absolutely determines what kind of success you’re going to have.

One of the most powerful and important time management habits you can take on in the new year is a simple – but profound – shift in perspective. How much do you really put your own agenda at the center of your day? My experience is that the majority of entrepreneurs spend way too much time responding to other peoples’ needs.

TIP:

Start your day with 90 minutes of uninterrupted time, focused on your #1 top priority item. This item should be something that is income-producing, and that moves your business forward.

ORGANIZATION

Our world has changed dramatically in recent years, but most of us haven’t yet evolved with the times. Overwhelmed with too much paper? Still collecting more?

Again, the change here starts with a shift in perspective. Most anything you could ever want to know about the world and how it works is available to you in 10 seconds or less. Do you know how huge this is??! It’s obvious that this is new to us as humans, but most of us haven’t upgraded our “operating systems” to live and work in the new reality.

TIP:

Don’t hold onto information – or sign up for mailing lists – because you “might need it someday.” Like with Time Management, put yourself at the center of your experience, and go out to get the information you need when you need it. Along with this, develop the trust that you’ll know what you need at the right moment, and will be able to get your hands on it when the time is right.

OFFICE ENVIRONMENT

Buckminster Fuller, one of the greatest thinkers of the last century, said, “Our environment is stronger than our willpower.” Yet most of us don’t take advantage of the powerful tool of adjusting what we surround ourselves with to pave the road for where we want to go.

TIP:

What stories does the space you work in tell you about who you are in the world? You don’t have to spend thousands on a remodel, or even move so you can stop working in the living room.  Look around right now and write down 3 small changes you can make that would have you feel better about your space. Change the cracked light switch plate, hang the picture that’s been leaning against the wall, move your desk so you feel more in control of the space – these are just a few examples of the kinds of things I’m talking about. (I just cleaned my windows, and it brightened my perspective in more than one way.) Did you write your 3 down? Now go do them as soon as possible!

LOVING SELF-CARE

You know you feel better when you take baths, go for walks in nature, get massages, follow your morning routine. You don’t need me to tell you what to do here…

TIP:

What makes you feel relaxed and strong in yourself? Go do it!

SUPPORT

We all are supported in so many ways! As business owners, there are 4 types of support it’s crucial to develop and maintain.

TIP:

Here are some questions to ask yourself to help you know where you could to reach out and develop stronger relationships:

• Spirit – Do you really, REALLY know that you’re not alone and you don’t have to do it all yourself?
• Staff – Are you trying to do it all by yourself every day – even the tasks you’re not good at or hate? Many successful business owners mark the time when their businesses took off as the moment they trusted enough to take a scary leap of faith and hire someone to help them.
• Sisters and Brothers - How connected do you feel to a community of entrepreneurial minded colleagues?
• Sage Mentors – Who do you have helping you avoiding the pitfalls as you steer your business to success?

What adjustments are YOU going to make? In the comments section below, tell us specifically which of these areas you want to make the biggest movement in, and what actions you’re going to take first.