Part Two of the New Year’s Resolution Mindset

It’s a tradition. At the first of the year many of us partake in the grand tradition of setting up goals and resolutions. Now is about the time we enter second part of this culture?

Like most, during the January, you hit the ground running. Now here we are in February and all of those good intentions seem so distant in the rear view mirror. It wasn’t hard to get caught up in the grind, and now you wonder where the heck January went. Like many self-employed professionals, small business owners, and solo entrepreneurs, you were stunned when you saw the first of the February roll around and wonder if the tail is wagging the dog and when you lost control.

There is no use dwelling on it. The good news is that January 1st is like any other day. We turn the calendar page and get a new opportunity. So, today is your brand new chance. BUT there is that matter of controlling the chaos. So what’s the trick? There is no trick. When it comes down to it, it’s just pure discipline.


Here are a few tactics to incorporate into your day and week to help you stay on task and reach those goals:

Turn off the notifications. No, you don’t have to answer that call, text or email right away. Really, you don’t! All the experts say that you should set a time when you will handle calls and emails. If you find that hard to do, work it backwards. Make a hard and fast rule for times that you will not check email, answer the phone or check in on Facebook. Close your Outlook, turn off the notifications and put the phone in the drawer for an hour. You will be surprised at how much you get done.

Step back. Getting prepared the night before sometimes seems impossible when you already feel like you run out of day to work with. If you can’t do it daily, set aside some non-negotiable time at least once a week to step back. Weekends are great because emails are quiet. You won’t regret it because there is nothing like starting off the week feeling organized. It lessens anxiety and gives you confidence.

Control your environment. An excellent work environment can make a big difference. Is your workspace professional? Are the people around you supportive? Many self-employed professionals, small business owners, and solo entrepreneurs do a lot of work from home. While this might save a few dollars in the short term, it can be hurting you in the long run. The amenities of the home office also comes with many distractions. Fortunately, there are many flexible workspace options that allow you to work more efficiently. Many Crown Center Executive Suites clients schedule certain days in a shared professional workspace or day offices for quiet-time in an office setting.

Track your time. Just like a food log, there is nothing like tracking to keep you honest. Clicktime is a tool that is reasonably priced and can be used via desktop or mobile device. It’s a great tool for analyzing productivity.

Thankfully, this February we all get an extra day to try to make it all happen – in my mind, that is an extra opportunity. Be sure that you go for it with all the gusto that you had at the beginning of January! After all, this is your year.

By the way, Crown Center Executive Suites is celebrating the extra day with an office party and you are invited. Everyone is welcome so be sure to get the details on The Leap Year Office Party here. 

 

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