Focus on What NOT to do? You Bet!

This month's issue of Inc. Magazine features Jim Collins, author of Built to Last and Good to Great talking about how small businesses can thrive in 2009. Though focused on entrepreneurs and small business, a lot of what he said translates to other areas of life.

One statement in particular has had a huge impact on me. In talking about how business (and life, I would add) has changed in the last 10-30 years, he states that

"You need a laserlike focus on doing first things first. And that means having a ferocious understanding of what you are not going to do. The question used to be which phone call you wouldn't take. Now, it's the discipline not to have your e-mail on. The skill is knowing how to sift through the blizzard of information that hits you all the time."

Like many of you, when trying to focus on one task I may become easily distracted; before I realize what has happened, I've spent an hour on something else that wasn't even on my to-do list for that day! It may be the "ding" that signals I have new e-mail, a phone call, or simply seeing something in my environment that pulls me away. Usually when that happens it is because the new distraction is more fun or interesting than the task that would actually move me toward a completed goal.

But I am resolved to develop my ferocious understanding and laserlike focus on what I will NOT do! Here are my tips to help you do the same:

• Turn the sound off so you won't be tempted to look at or answer unnecessary e-mail, phone calls or texting. This is easy to do for an hour at a time, or whatever time frame you need.
• If there are fun things that are luring you away (shopping, social gatherings, hobbies) set certain days or times that you will indulge. The rest of the time, don't.
• Unsubscribe to the e-mail newsletters (not this one of course!), daily sale notices, and whatever else clutters your inbox every day but doesn't move you ahead.
• If it helps, set a timer. My sister tells me she sets a timer to "de-clutter" her workspace for 20 minutes at a time, uninterrupted. It helps her stay on task and when the timer goes off, it's over. No distractions allowed during that time, and no guilt when time is up.
• If necessary, make a "to-don't" list for the day. Write down the things you will not do that will keep you from your day's goals.

In the process, you will begin to see more clearly where you waste the most time and begin to enjoy greater accomplishment at the end of each day!