Running a business today requires a survival guide. Blame it on tough economic times and increasingly fierce competition, but today’s entrepreneurs need to be bolder and better prepared. A lot is expected of a business owner, and business owners know this all too well. They blame themselves and end up stressed out by being overworked.
But that wasn’t supposed to happen. You need to be able to enjoy life not only outside of running your business, but also while you are doing it. Here are some things you can do to be your most productive while remaining stress free:
Maximize your biological clock
Find out what your best and worst times of the day were. There’s no point getting up early just to accomplish so little. If you are a night person, work late, sleep late, and sleep long. When you wake up the next day, you’ll have enough time for other things, like lunch and sunsets. Joking.
Don’t take work home
Let’s contextualize this. Since many business owners are now working from home, this advice may no longer apply. But what we’re saying is that you should only work during the schedule you set for work. You shouldn’t think about it or even check your email over dinner, when you’re spending time with your family, and any time you’re not supposed to be working. It can slow you down instead of helping you speed up. If you are assertive about getting your work done on time, then you will be able to get more done in the time frame you have been given for work.
Stay connected during business hours
Note the phrase “during business hours.” Cut ties outside of official business hours to make room for other important things in your life (maybe chatting with your Facebook friends or chatting with your yoga poses). But while you’re at work, make sure you’re accessible to both clients and staff. If you don’t have a smartphone yet, get one now and stay connected even when you’re not in the office through technologies such as virtual PBX systems like RingCentral and free email like Gmail or YahooMail.
Learn how to focus on tasks
Sometimes, because we think we have so much time, we procrastinate and put off getting things done. Of course, we only accomplish half of the things we should do. Learn the art of focus. For example, if you need to plan a new product launch, concentrate until you’ve finished the draft, and never leave your desk until you do. You won’t even feel the need for coffee while doing this. Instead, all your wishes (for coffee, for lunch, for playing Draw Something) will appear as soon as you complete the task. Give yourself a short but indulgent break, then get back to work.
Image Credit : Jennnicolelima
