In a world filled with noise and distraction, many small-business owners are finding themselves in a perpetual state of overwhelm. The constant demands of entrepreneurship compound, often leading to overworking, exhaustion and burnout.
Whilst it may seem like there is no end in sight to the constant demands and pressures, there are certain strategies that small-business owners can put in place to gain clarity on their highest priority actions, optimise their schedules and increase their productivity – with ease.
Additionally, research published in the American Psychological Association shows that the adoption of small, personal habits can significantly increase productivity and lead to improvements in performance and output.
Here are three key strategies that small-business owners can utilise to manage their competing priorities and increase their productivity – even when budget and resources are limited.
1. Utilise a world-class planning methodology:
Many of us have heard the saying “a goal without a plan is simply a wish”. Whilst operating from a to-do list can be beneficial to an extent, in my experience working with entrepreneurs and CEO’s, this can often become an endless wish list – ultimately resulting in greater levels of anxiety and overwhelm.
Instead, I teach my clients my own proven planning methodology – The Boss Planning Method. In this weekly practice, clients devote one hour of their time each week to:
- Identify their 2-3 highest priority actions for the week;
- Schedule in outcome-based tasks into their calendars, where there is a clear and specific outcome identified (e.g. schedule in 10 emails for XX product launch); and
- Utilise their calendars to capture all other meetings, commitments and priorities – including time to go to the gym, take a lunch break and for self-care.
Dedicating just one hour each week to plan effectively and intentionally can result in significantly greater levels of productivity, removing residual feelings of decision fatigue and overwhelm.
In the event of unexpected events occurring or certain tasks taking longer than anticipated, entrepreneurs can plan for contingency through carving out additional time and space in their calendars.
2. Eliminate distractions
In his best-selling book Stolen Focus, Johan Hari describes the seven greatest forces that steal our time, energy and focus – from technology to other global forces.
High-performing entrepreneurs recognise the need to create personal practices to safeguard their focus, so that they are able to get into flow-state and do the deep work.
Some practical ways to expand your attention include:
- Utilise your schedule to check emails, messages and social media at certain, scheduled times of the day;
- Use time management techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique, whereby you work for a solid period of time (say 45 minutes) and then take a dedicated break (say 15 minutes) to check your phone, make a snack etc;
- Identify and reduce or eliminate other distractions from your work day – whether that means scrolling, prolonged conversations by the water cooler, or tasks that are not aligned to your highest vision.
3. Create time for spaciousness
High-performing entrepreneurs recognise the need for spaciousness in their day. As an example, Bill Gates plans his infamous ‘think weeks’ each year. Warren Buffet allocates 5-6 hours to read each day. Many CEOs can be found out on the golf course, recognising the need for spaciousness and how time away from their desks can spark their greatest ideas, solutions to problems and increase productivity.
Optimising productivity
By planning properly, reducing the number of distractions, and creating time for spaciousness, small-business owners can increase their productivity and output.
