Sometimes as an entrepreneur, we feel like we always have to be doing something to succeed. If we’re not blogging, or commenting, or posting, or doing something to raise the profile of our business at all hours of the day, well then, the world is just going to pass us by.
Well, yes and no.
Hard work is always important. The Iowa State college wrestling legend Dan Gable used to always say that he pictured his competition practicing, and from that point, he simply did more. He worked harder. You know what? It paid off. Gable only lost one wrestling match in his entire collegiate career.
It’s also easy to be distracted. Busy and productive aren’t necessarily synonyms.
The question becomes this:
Are You Doing The Right Things?
Apple, Facebook and Google have all created the land of the little red dots. These dots notify us of email. They notify us that someone wants our attention on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn.
If what you’re doing is important, keep doing it. Don’t If you’re working on client projects, don’t cave. If you’re writing your next blog, continue.
I’ve got a news flash: you’re probably not as important as you think you are. Most of what you think needs to be returned within the hour probably can wait.
Instead, create.
Try Working From a List
I never really thought this was me. I never used an “assignment book” in school, and still kind of tease my wife for her to-do lists.
Now, five minutes on Facebook, and I can’t remember what I’m doing or why I’m there. These are great tools, but they’re also mind sucks.
Try starting your day with a to do list. If you’re on Facebook to market your business, this will help you remember (instead of getting sucked into political posts).
Step Away From The Computer
This is one that I’m trying to concentrate on right now. I’ve been living the freelance life for so long, that there’s very little structure. The great thing about the 9 to 5 world is that work only occurred from 9 to 5. While I love what I do, I find myself doing it at all hours. Sometimes this can’t be helped. Maybe a client can only meet at night.
If that’s not the case, it’s good to put down the computer, spend time with my wife, work out, or pick up a new skill. Otherwise the burnout can be great.
The great thing about this, is that the time away from the computer can spark creativity. It can be while you’re running, or cooking or spending time with family that the break through ideas occur. We need these moments, and these thoughts.
Again, there’s no substitute for good, hard work. Just make sure that what you’re doing is truly necessary and important, and not just busy work. Make sure that you take the time to step away from your work, to keep a healthy balance at times. It helps to keep your mind focused and avoid burnout.
What are your thoughts on this issue? What sort of things do you do to maintain focus?
Matt Brennan is a Chicago-area marketing writer and copy editor. He is also the author of Write Right-Sell Now.
