As an entrepreneur, you always have a distinct focus and mindset compared to most people. You constantly think of innovative ways on how you can solve customer pain points and at a profitable business out of it at the same time.
However, juggling between ideas can sometimes make it hard for you to stay focused long enough on a single one.
Focus is an essential quality for success in any field. Here are some tips to help you improve your entrepreneurial focus:
1. Don’t multitask
Like all other entrepreneurs, you wear many hats, but trying to pursue everything at once won’t help you succeed at anything. Create a to-do list, schedule out all the tasks that you need to focus on, and learn to delegate.
As a busy person, you have to manage your time properly and decide on what you need to do at particular times. If you have several projects to work on, block out time for each one, and don’t allow yourself to be distracted by the others.
If you are working with employees and team members, let them know, for example, that from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., you’ll be working on project X, and that from 11 a.m. till 12 p.m., you’ll be working on project Y.
It’s always tempting to respond to messages and do quick tasks, but if you stick to one thing at a time, you will actually be more efficient.
2. Show some commitment
You can’t focus on something unless you are committed to it. Start by identifying the specific things that you want to prioritize. There will be lots of distractions out there, but if you are committed to something, you should be able to say no to something else.
Always remind yourself of what you are committed to, so you can focus on what truly matters.
3. Say no to unnecessary meetings
Sometimes, declining a meeting invite is tolerable, especially if it doesn’t relate to your current focus. Start by assessing the value of the meeting. Ask yourself:
Is the meeting about something important, timely, and worthwhile?
Make sure that the meeting has a clear purpose and agenda. Ask for background information about the meeting and ask about its objectives, so you can prepare for the discussion.
If none of the factors fit your criteria, then you can politely withdraw yourself out of the meeting, recommend someone else who can attend the meeting for you or just attend a part of the meeting.
4. Train yourself to focus
When it comes to starting tasks, the first challenge that you sometimes face is the initial resistance to do so.
Being able to focus is something that you can teach yourself to do. Although starting particular tasks may be difficult, you don’t need to pressure yourself to stay focused on one task all the way until you get it done.
According to Michele Scism, founder of Decisive Minds, LLC, you can begin by working with a timer. Set the timer for 20 minutes, and try to focus on just one task. Refrain yourself from constantly checking your messages and social media. Practice this regularly and the next thing you know, you won’t need a timer anymore.
5. Have something or someone to lead you
As an entrepreneur, you are your own boss. Although this is the best part of running a business, this can also be a challenge that you can not face on your own. There are times when you’ll get lost as you don’t have anything or anyone to tell you what to do.
Set reminders on your calendar that includes goals and deadlines. Let this push you to remain responsible and productive.
You also need people who can criticize and support you along the way. Find yourself a good mentor who can help you decide and act on business ideas. You need constructive criticism that will help you improve yourself and your business. Get someone who can always give you the immediate feedback that you need to guide you.
6. Prepare yourself on what you should focus on
Before you start your week, you should already make it clear what your priorities will be in the following days.
You should have focus points for each day, so you can be productive without swamping yourself with work.
Belinda MJ Brown, Equanimity Executive, suggests:
End your week with a goal for the following week, end your day with a list ready for your next day, and start each day and each week focused doing what is needed and expanding to what is possible.
With all the new trends and pain points that you get to constantly discover, you’re likely to be tempted to come up with multiple business ideas that require time and work to implement.
But it’s important to focus on at priorities and commitments first. Devoting your energy to one business idea at a time can help you reach your goal faster. That way, you can easily move on to your next business idea and start on a new venture.