In these interesting times, I am finding that there are a lot of distractions, keeping us from our true path. There are a lot of things that can pull us away from what we truly need to be doing in life and in our work!
Here are four that come to mind:
- The internet/social media…I do not know one person yet who has had an influx of clients due to their posts on social media. Yes, you might get likes, comments and the odd share, but are those turning into people and possible clients wanting to meet, hire or at least talk business with you?
2. The news of the day. The recent banter between “The Donald” and the pro athletes about the anthem, is in my estimation, “Bullshit nonsense”. It is not solving anything or doing anything to make the world, the economy, opportunities better!
3. Gossip, this can be fun…but stop and ask yourself, is it? Can you share positive ideas with your friends rather than gossip about them? We all have our faults and short-comings, so if gossip helps you feel good for a moment, good for you! But, step back and work on the areas you need inside of you, in order to feel good about yourself. Maybe you are angry with someone or just don’t get them and why they do what they do, but make it a point to not gossip and discuss with that person, that you are not happy with them.
4. The busy-ness of your life. Sometimes, being less busy, and choosing where you would love to spend your time each day is more vital than just claiming you are busy. Instead, choose to create each day. Take on things that nourish your soul, finances, well-being, family, friends, society/community. Make an attempt to not be saying to friends, family or business contacts, that you are busy! Make an attempt to say my calendar is full of the things that pay dividends and I can meet you on this day and at this time.
The bottom line, to living in today’s crazy, mile-a-minute world is to be mindful of where you invest your time, energy and yes your money.
Before you do invest, ask yourself this, “Is there a dividend or return on my investment”?
Now this is not to say, you can’t goof around on social media, or have nap, or read, or do something frivolous with your time. I am not suggesting that.
What I do encourage is to cut back on the time wasters and when you do plan your day, when you choose how you are going to spend your time, you are going to ask first, “Is this a good investment of my time, money, energy and resources first”?
Here are my top suggestions as to where to invest your time and focus:
- Self-care, health, exercise, rest, nutrition, meditation
- Family, your significant other (plan weekly date nights), your kids. (Have a family dinner)
- Learning, continued learning, reading, marketing research
- Your business, getting new clients, nurturing the ones you have, being the best you can be.
- Finances, take time to plan and set goals here
- Social time, book times for friends, take on something fun to do at least once a week!
- Give back, donate some time to a cause that speaks to you. For example if the news of the day is bothering you, listen to that “nudge” and act on it.
- Social media marketing and outreach. We still need to use the medium to get the word out and connect with our base of contacts, so book 20-30 minutes a day to socialize online
- Spiritual time-time to pray, meditate, journal, or be still and silent…it can help rejuvenate the soul!
- Time to goof off! Yes, all work and focus with no time to goof off, is perhaps not a good thing, plan some time to goof off and kick back!
Make sure you are focused on the true things in life that give you a return on your investment.
Make it a great week and invest wisely!
Focus!
Cheers/David Cohen
BIO:
David is an author, business coach, and facilitator and was the former host/producer and creator of the Small Business Big Ideas Show heard weekly for over 9 years. David has taught thousands over the years in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors and has coached hundreds of start-ups to make those important first steps. He specializes in helping small business owners mine their strengths, get clear on their value, their markets and then begin to develop a sales and marketing game plan that gets results.
He also can be booked to do his keynote presentations; “The 8 Keys to Success, How I got to Kiss the Stanley Cup and his new keynote called “A breakthrough-through the glass”- how to overcome the fear that life and business might throw your way. He leads workshops in sales, marketing, market research, business plans, target marketing and customer service programs. David is currently with the City of Toronto, heading up an entrepreneur training program for inner city youth and adults. He has taught thousands and coached numerous clients in the area of Small Business Start-ups and business growth strategies.