What’s your favourite distraction?

I know it, I’ve been there…..I’ve had my whole day planned out, I’m going to be super productive, that to do list is going to be nailed today. Then I see the pile of laundry that won’t make it’s own way into the washing machine – it’ll only take 2 minutes to sort that out, best get it in so I can hang it out when it’s finished. If I can get the washing done today as well….BONUS! Plus I can use the washing machine time as a chunk of time before I have a break.

I need a cup of tea before I sit down though, whilst waiting for the kettle to boil, I’ll check my emails on my phone, perhaps clear a few. Oh shit, I forgot my car insurance was due, I’ll do that first….I’m prioritising, I’m proud of myself! A few phone calls later my washing machine beeps and I have renewed my insurance, next job…hang the washing out. That said it’s such a nice day I’ll put the bedding in too. Setting aside another chuck of time whilst the washing machine is on again.

That’s it, I’m in work mode, laptop is open and I’m feeling good. Oooh, something is flashing on my laptop – notifications, OMG I can’t believe my Bessie has posted that picture, look at all the comments…. Best reply to a few so they know I’ve seen it. Oh blinking heck my battery is running low on the laptop, best go and find the charger…where did I put it?

It’s now lunchtime and what have I achieved? Next to blinking nothing, can you see where I’m going with this?

Can you identify your biggest distraction? Are you aware of what is sabotaging your work? It might not be household chores or Facebook, it might even be the guilt of not spending time with family, it could be that you procrastinate too much or how about fannying around with tasks that aren’t going to make a difference to your business at all for fear of what others will think if you do the other actions on your to do list.

Once you’ve identified your biggest distraction, it’s easier to find a solution and work out ways in which you can be more productive and focussed.

60 MINUTE RULE

I find it easier to break my work into 60 minute chunks of time. We can do anything for 60 minutes, any distractions (bar crying babies and proper disasters!) can wait until you 60 minutes is over! Set an alarm to remind you when to stop and crack on!

Is 60 minutes too long? Try the Pomodoro technique, which breaks time into 25 minutes.

WHAT TO WORK ON

I want you to write down everything you feel you need to achieve.

Highlight the points that are important and need actioning ASAP, take these onto a new list and dismiss the others.

Now with your priority tasks sort them into large and small tasks, often the small tasks can be easily achieved whilst sat watching the telly, waiting for children to complete their after school activities. NOW tackle the larger ones in your 60 minute chunks of time!

The challenge I set you is to discover how you are self sabotaging by becoming distracted!

CO-WORKING SPACES

If working from home is too much of a distraction, you should consider visiting one of our new co-working spaces which are popping up in cities all over the UK. Two in Nottingham that I would recommend to you are Minor Oak and THiNK, both offer free co-working days in which you can take your laptop along and be inspired by the creativity and motivation of others working around. Being an entrepreneur doesn’t have to be lonely