Welcome to 2024, and all the promise it holds for you personally and professionally. But if you’ve resolved to do all sorts of things and your “To Do List” is pages long, maybe you want to reconsider. How about the approach I’m taking this year for peace of mind AND higher productivity? Streamline and Simplify.
Busiest Does Not Mean Best—nor Happiest
In fact, it’s—quite the contrary. As a Harvard Business Review article explains:
“Considerable evidence shows that overwork is not just neutral — it hurts us... Numerous studies by Marianna Virtanen of the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health and her colleagues (as well as other studies) have found that overwork and the resulting stress can lead to all sorts of health problems, including impaired sleep, depression, heavy drinking, diabetes, impaired memory, and heart disease.”
Focus Over Frenzy
Of course, overwork—especially for solopreneurs—is often due to trying to do too much in too little time. This year let’s change that. Think focus—streamline and simplify. Rather than all the projects you think you need to do to succeed, how about doing fewer projects—better? Dig deep for the things you do best and enjoy most. Then, ask why all those to-do list items are REALLY necessary. Nobody ever succeeded by doing more things less well, right? Think focus—and, dare I say, FUN.
Once you’ve eliminated projects you don’t have time for and focus on what brings your business—and life—the greatest joy and success, try a few of my tricks to make those things even more enjoyable—and successful.
30|30 Principle
When I’m working on a project—however lengthy and tedious—I set a timer for 30 minutes. I’ve learned I do better when I break after 30 minutes. Oh, I can work three straight hours, but not as effectively as if I take breaks. So, after 30 minutes, switch it up. I still want to complete the project to get the “puzzle reward” (see our December blog), but I like the rejuvenation of a new project. Maybe it’s simply switching to organizing a desk or shelf for 30 minutes—but switch it up with something different. You’ll find the change of pace refreshes you, returning you to your first project with new vigor and energy.
GSD: Get Stuff Done Sessions
Want to beef up your productivity? Join us for our Get Stuff Done virtual sessions. Everyone’s goal during this two-hour session is to work on something more efficiently. All participants shut the world out, turn computers on, and focus on the things they want done for two hours—camera on or not.
I check in with all participants, review goals, and help boost participants’ productivity and peace of mind. Interested? Register here.
To learn more about Streamlining and Simplifying your business in 2024, contact me. I’m eager to coach solopreneurs on focus and doing more with less.