How Entrepreneurs Can Maximize Daily Productivity

Being an entrepreneur is challenging. They find themselves dealing with a barrage of tasks and endless appointments each day. As the organizational leader, task-doer, and everything in between, entrepreneurs must be up for any challenge thrown their way. Problem is, many business owners find themselves working countless hours on tasks while accomplishing little of strategic value. According to recent studies, distractions cost US businesses $588 billion dollars in productivity losses each year.

How can business owners, entrepreneurs and solopreneurs maximize their daily productivity allowing them time to focus on what matters most?

Dedicate the first 30 minutes of each day to uninterrupted, quiet and concentrated focus. How you START the day creates momentum for how the rest of the day’s will transpire. By beginning with 30 minutes of focused attention on strategic work, you will maximize your focus and priorities throughout the rest of the day. Here’s how:

1. Devices Off

Did you know it takes the average person 23 minutes to refocus on an activity after an interruption occurs, and yet the average employee only goes 11 minutes without interruption? That’s right. Each time you stop to answer a call, respond to a text, or read an alert, you’re losing precious productivity time. I challenge you to turn it off. Don’t sweat it. Your gadgets will survive without being glued to your hands for 30 minutes. While devices help us achieve tasks and stay abreast of what’s happening every moment of every day, they are also quite distracting. It’s all right. By turning off your phones, emails, text messages, and alerts will help you concentrate your focus on what is most important for the day.

2. Close the Door

Whether you work from home or in an office, close your door. This signals to others that you are off limits during this time each day. Educate your team (and family – if you work from home) that the first 30 minutes of the day are dedicated to maximizing productivity. Soon, everyone will recognize this is your time to create, strategize, develop, and map out your day. They’ll begin to recognize the importance, especially when they begin to see the results.  If you work in an open-plan environment, consider using headphones, which is the equivalent of a do-not-disturb sign.

3. Schedule Time Blocks

Most professionals are guilty of allowing meetings, emails, and social media consume too much time in their day. Instead of allowing them to manage your time, take charge first. Consider your daily schedule and attempt to keep all similar tasks grouped in clusters. For instance, book a 30-minute, non-negotiable window of time in your calendar each morning for concentrated, uninterrupted focus. Schedule any meetings to start after 9.00 am. Block off times throughout your day for activities such as checking email, returning phone calls, or responding to social media. Once your time is complete, turn off these distractions so they can’t tempt your concentration once you turn your attention to other tasks.

4. Start Off-Site

When possible, complete your 30-minute focus session BEFORE you walk into the office.  A study done by Ctrip found remote workers can complete 13.5% more than their office-working peers. By beginning your day off-site, you’re allowing yourself to avoid any distractions the office may bring. Once you’ve mastered this skill, teach your employees to do the same. This ensures when everyone comes to work, they are focused and prepared for anything the day throws at them.

5. Clear Space

A clear space creates a clear mind. If you have paperwork piles, coffee cups, nick-knacks or an overwhelming amount of desk supplies, it’s time to clear the clutter. These distractions steal brain space and are distracting to your focus. A clean, clear and quiet work space will optimize focus and help you maximize productivity by decreasing visual distractions. Go purge!

6. Exercise Early

No one ever regrets getting in a good workout, especially at the beginning of the day. When possible, get your exercise out of the way before you get down to business. You’ll feel accomplished and ease the stress of knowing you still have a workout facing you. The endorphins from a good workout will stimulate your focus and give your energy a boost. Early morning workouts also encourage you to make better dietary choices throughout the day, which will also ensure your energy and well-being is maximized.

7. Nix Small Talk

Honestly, small talk and gossip is one of the biggest time, energy, and productivity drains an organization can have. Studies show 39% of workers admit gossip and workplace chat are their biggest productivity killers. Another study showed the average employee spends 65 hours a year gossiping at work! Cull this invasive “thief” from your company if you truly want to maximize productivity.  Feel free to greet your employees and peers in the morning, but if you really want to cull this invasive attention thief from your organization, limit the small talk and early morning distractions.

By spending the first 30 minutes of each work day in a focused, attentive state, you’ll set the tone for your own day and those around you. Lead by example. Be intentional with your attention and how you spend your time. Your productivity, profitability, and accountability will skyrocket as a result.

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