When business leaders are feeling stuck, their immediate assumption is they’re in need of something more—more money, better marketing, more time, better software, or more knowledge about this or that. But more often than not, none of these factors are the real culprits that keep success at bay. In fact, what you need to get ahead and remain ahead is not something you can learn. In fact, it’s what you need to unlearn…there’s a good chance the culprit is the bad habit of distraction.
The Immediate Fix
If you traced your challenge with focus to its origins, you might be surprised to find the main issue isn’t actually lurking in the dazzle of outside distractions but within your own mind. While most business leaders wish to blame outside sources for their troubles with focus—and I can understand why, to a certain extent—the largest struggle tends to be an internal one.
So here’s what I’d like you to do right now (which you probably wouldn’t do if we were not talking about it).
Over the next day or two, schedule one hour on your calendar. Then when the time comes, shut your office door, turn off your phone and computer, and tell your assistant you’re not to be disturbed (YES, YOU CAN DO THIS!).
Slow down, reflect, and make a list of what’s working well in your business, and what’s not (this will serve you well in planning 2017). Commit more time and resources to the things that are working well. Of the things that are not working well, determine why, then come up with changes to your strategy and tactics accordingly.