It might be hard to believe, but you can actually achieve more by doing less. Many business owners find it difficult to focus on one thing. They set too many goals. Too many projects are in place at the same time. Or they allow themselves to become distracted by the latest hot idea.
Many are stuck in the operational side of their business. They’re struggling to keep their head above water. The problem is, there’s no winning strategy in place which they can follow.
When To Say “No”
Successful business owners know when to say “no”. As Steve Jobs said, “People think focus means saying “yes” to the thing you’ve got to focus on. But that’s not what it means at all. It means saying “no” to the hundred other good ideas that there are. You have to pick carefully. I’m actually as proud of the things we haven’t done as the things we have done.”
“Busy” Doesn’t Mean You’re Running A Good Business
There are many business owners who seem to suffer from ADD. They get sidetracked by the latest “thing” that appears in front of them, and run around chasing after that. While that’s happening, they’re neglecting something else. Often it’s the few vital things that will drive the future success of their business.
Studies show we can’t multitask efficiently. We think we’re doing a great job of multitasking, but it actually reduces our productivity. Worse still, multitasking impairs the brain’s ability to learn.
You might think you’re being productive when you’re juggling multiple activities …. but this is usually not the case. If you’re multitasking, it takes on average 25% more time to finish any one activity. In reality, it’s far more productive to do one thing at a time with a burst of focused energy.
Do Less, Achieve More
As business owners, we know there is never enough time to get everything done. So make sure you focus your valuable time on the few vital things that do matter. Don’t get busy on the many things that don’t.
Peter Drucker recommended setting aside 4 hours of uninterrupted time each week. Then work on the one … yes, that’s (1) …. most important thing. He believed this discipline was critical in getting the important things done.
If there was one thing you could do this week to move each goal forward – what would that most important one (1) thing be?
Read our Free Special Report: Are You Struggling To Find Enough Time To Run Your Business?