Staying consistently focused on your long-term goals is no easy task. But with a few changes here and there, you can give yourself the best chance at remaining productive and attentive while you run your business. Developing good habits now will help you to develop a state of mind which gives you the capacity to deliver your long-term goals. 

So, without further ado, here are some handy tips to help you maximise your ability to focus…

Start your day with exercise 

When you’ve got a business to run, it can often be a matter of getting to the office as early as possible and leaving last. However, setting a bit of time aside to get your blood pumping in the morning can be a great way to improve your mood and energy levels before beginning your day. Not only that, exercise also helps to reduce the amount of cortisol (stress hormones) in your system, providing you with greater focus.  

Plan your tasks 

Running your own business often means that there will be tasks and queries coming at you from all angles over the course of the day. One great way to keep your brain focused is to write out the tasks you want to accomplish within the next hour and then time how long it takes you to complete them. By actually writing out your key tasks for each couple of hours, you can refocus your brain on tasks of particular importance, and by timing yourself you will add a sense of urgency that will help you to stay focused.

If you’re suddenly hit with another task that requires immediate completion, add it to the list. But make sure to move a task of less priority out of it. Following that, you can look at the tasks that take up too much of your time or that you don’t have the time to complete and either delegate them to a member of staff or look for ways to help you reduce the amount of time spent on a particular task. 

Set small daily goals 

Staying focused on long term goals can sometimes become difficult, especially when trying to navigate each day as they come. Instead of focusing on your big, long term goals, it’s better to set smaller daily goals that lend themselves to the overall picture. By focusing only on what needs to be accomplished in any one given day, you’re establishing a routine for success. 

Achieving small daily goals will trigger your brain’s reward mechanism, releasing dopamine when you accomplish your goal. This will help you to maintain your focus and increase the odds of you achieving tomorrow’s goal. 

Eliminate distractions 

Though it seems obvious, it’s a point that should be reiterated often. Disable notifications on your computer, put on some good background music (if it helps you focus) and put your phone on silent. If you’re the type who’s easily distracted, you need to make sure you create an environment that gives you the best chance at maintaining concentration. This may mean working from home or finding a place to focus outside of the usual workplace. There’s no harm in informing your employees that you don’t want to be disturbed if it will help you stay focused. You could, for example, instruct them not to transfer calls between certain hours of the day.

Sleep 

Nothing will ruin your ability to focus more than consistent sleep deprivation. Getting in your 7 – 9 hours will help you to achieve maximum focus. Whether you’re just starting out in your career, are a veteran of your industry or own your own business, a lack of sleep will impede everything from your productivity, your mood and your ability to concentrate. So make sure you take the time to fit some sleep into your schedule. 

We hope you enjoyed this quick list of focus-improving tips. If you’re looking for ways to maintain focus on your long-term financial goals as you continue to run your business, don’t hesitate to get in contact – we’re only a phone call or message away.