How to stay focused when you’re pulled in a million directions
Whether you provide a service, work in eCommerce, or create physical products, staying on top of that ever-growing to-do list can seem overwhelming. Catching up on emails. Posting on social media. Finding new leads. Oh, and carrying out the main function of your business…
As a freelancer or small business owner, there are always a million things to do.
If you’re struggling to find focus and get tasks ticked off, don’t panic. Here are some actionable tips to help manage your time more efficiently and stay in the zone so you can be more productive.
Prioritise your tasks
This is something we’ve looked at in a few articles — and for good reason. When you have multiple tasks that all need completing, try to look objectively to see which is most important. Importance might come down to deadlines and due dates, or it might be the task that brings the most value to your business.
Identifying your most pressing tasks is a good place to start. It will help you decide where to put your focus. Take a look at this guide to creating an effective weekly plan for some more insight into prioritisation methods.
Work on one task at a time
Once you’ve prioritised your tasks, set them out in a to-do list so you can see them in order. Try to work through your tasks one at a time.
It can be tempting to switch between tasks — for example, you might be writing a blog article, and you quickly click on another tab to check your emails. You come back to your article, write another paragraph, and then remember you need to buy some supplies, so you go to another tab.
Although you may feel like you’re multitasking, flitting between tasks can mean your priority job — the blog — ends up taking much longer.
Set up a dedicated workspace
But how can you make sure you stay focused on that one task? Getting rid of distractions is a big help.
You might choose to close off any unused tabs, place your phone out of reach to eliminate the temptation of scrolling on your socials, and make sure you have water or a cup of tea nearby so you don’t feel the need to ‘just pop the kettle on’.
Find a time management technique that works for you
There are lots of time management methodologies designed to help you stay focused and be more productive. However, it’s essential to find one that works for you — otherwise it can feel as though you’re swimming against the tide.
Some popular time management techniques include:
Pomodoro
Rapid Planning Method
Time Blocking
Parkinson’s Law
Check our in-depth guide to time management techniques and see which works best for you.
Take breaks
When you feel your mind wandering, taking a break can help you reset. Try moving away from your workspace (and, ideally, getting outside for fresh air if possible). A change of scenery can help you return to your task feeling refreshed and ready to focus.
Look after your wellbeing
Are you getting enough sleep? Are you staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet? Do you feel stressed and overwhelmed? When your mind and body are out of whack, it can have a big impact on your concentration. Taking steps to practice self-care can help you boost your day-to-day focus.
Say no
As a freelancer or small business owner, last-minute requests from clients and customers are somewhat inevitable. However, throwing another task into the mix can disrupt your flow if you’re struggling to stay focused (or you’ve just managed to establish a plan that finally gets you focused).
Remember that it’s okay to say no if you’re unable to drop your important task to take on another.
Delegate where possible
When you have a pressing task but other duties keep taking your focus, it can be helpful to delegate. Asking someone else to take on the additional work can free up your time and brain capacity to continue with your prioritised job.
Consider delegating to a colleague or hiring a virtual assistant. An experienced virtual assistant (VA) can provide a range of services and packages, supporting you with everything from email management and eCommerce uploads to social media scheduling — all those tempting side quests that so often keep us from focusing on the priority task at hand!
Buddy up with a body double
A little accountability can go a long way when it comes to better focus, and having a work buddy or ‘body double’ can be especially helpful for neurodiverse entrepreneurs. Having another person present as you work, whether in the same room as you or virtually, can be a brilliant way to help you focus on your own tasks.
VA support services that can boost your focus and productivity
If you’ve been wondering how to stay focused at work, there are lots of techniques to try. Whether you need to take a few tasks off your own plate to reduce side questing or you’re looking for a 1:1 accountability partner, find out more about Bizzybee’s virtual assistant packages.
Erin has years of experience as a virtual assistant for creative entrepreneurs and can provide a range of VA services tailored to your needs. She also provides dedicated Neurodivergence in Business Support to help neurodiverse individuals find the focus and productivity methods that work best for them.
Get in touch today!
