As an entrepreneur, I sometimes find it hard to remain focused and consistent from day to day. Since I technically don’t have a boss there is no one looking over my shoulder with demanding deadlines. There is no structure or regular workday routine unless I create one. This can be troublesome for some entrepreneurs who are very busy both with work and life priorities.
I’ve mentioned in previous blogs that 2013 felt busy and rushed, and 2020 was completely insane. While we did accomplish a lot we’ve now put in systems and workday structures to ensure that 2023 is more organized so that we can be consistent in our efforts and workflow.
Creating consistency in your day-to-day actions will help you to feel more calm, in control, and better able to focus on the actual work that needs to get done. Of course, this takes self-discipline and the desire to actualize your passion.
People talk about consistency and scheduling but how do you remain consistent when there is so much to do each and every day? Then a kid gets sick and is home for 3 days… the to-do list goes out the window and you’ve missed self-imposed deadlines. It doesn’t feel good but what can you do…right?
Pushing your business forward isn’t always about learning new technology or posting more on Facebook. Sometimes, it’s just about the practice of consistency and scheduling your 5% action items.
If you want to get more clients, make more money, and help more people you should be focusing on implementing consistent daily actions that only you can do.
Be realistic in your daily to-do list.
Remember that you are in this for the long haul. Running a business is like running a marathon, slow and steady wins the race. Constantly sprinting will cause you to burn out and throw in the towel. You will never actually complete your to do list since us entrepreneurs always have more ideas that we want to implement.
Create a realistic to do list everyday. The to do list should not be 10 items long. When you have unrealistic expectations about what you can actually get done everyday you are setting yourself up for failure and disappointment.
Choose the top 3 to 5 must do items that are revenue generating and relationship building and only work on those items. When they are complete move onto managing the day to day stuff.
Create a reward (or punishment) system.
We are all motivated by different factors. What motivates you? Think about things that motivate you and then create a reward or punishment system for yourself. For example if you get the weekly to do list done then every Friday at 3pm you can go for a manicure or have coffee with friends.
Maybe you are motivated by punishment or having stakes? What about something you have to give up when you don’t complete your action items? In my accountability group we had to list one thing we would give up for a month if we didn’t complete our weekly to do list. Mine was often coffee and the thought of losing my morning coffee was painful enough to get my work done.
Leverage your relationships.
Involve friends and family members in your reward system. Ask for accountability from a spouse or friend. Be specific in your request and how they can help you stay on track.
Perhaps at the end of every day you send a daily accountability report listing your to do list and what you’ve accomplished. Get them involved in the reward system as well, so this way they have something to lose too.
Be careful in how you communicate to your accountability partner and their return communication to you. It should not be a bashing or an insult fest, especially when you didn’t get anything done. Clearly state the accountability boundaries so you get what you need out of the relationship.
Now it’s time to add some business to your passion with daily consistency. What is ONE action that you can implement each and every day that will drive you closer to your goals?
