In part 1 of this blog we delved into some of the reasons you may be struggling to focus right now and looked at the 100 day sprint technique as a solution and overall fast-track to achievement.
Now, we’re going to take a look at some other ways to create more focus and how to identify the tasks that will have the biggest impact on your productivity, and therefore outcomes. I’m also going to share some great tips to combat boredom and overwhelm.
Using the 80/20 rule to identify the most important things
The Pareto Principle (commonly known as the 80/20 rule) is a great place to start when identifying what needs your focus most.
If you’re unfamiliar with this rule, or just need a refresher, the 80/20 rule asserts that 80% of your result will be dictated by 20% of your input. And so, identifying the 20% of tasks that will lead to the greatest achievements helps you sustain focus and prioritize what’s most valuable in terms of your goal (and therefore the most productive use of your time).
Now, that’s all well and good, but how do I determine what the most important tasks are? – I hear you ask.
Using 4 metrics to measure the worth of each to-do
Identifying your most important to-dos may take some time, but it’ll save time in the long run and jump-start your focus and productivity as well as reinforce your enthusiasm.
By now, you should already be familiar with what’s on your to-do list, so let’s look at those tasks in greater detail and reprioritize them.
1. Impact/value of activity
First off, you’ll want to assess the impact and value of each specific activity. How will it support your overall goal? If any task on your to-do list will have little to no impact, deprioritize it. Prioritize tasks that will get you results.
2. Time required
Now you’ve identified your most valuable tasks, have a look at each and estimate how much time each will take. You’ll then want to prioritize the to-dos that take the least time.
3. Difficulty
Now look each to-do and assess its difficulty or complexity. Does it need to be broken down into sub-tasks? Prioritize the simplest activities.
4. Cost
This category will mean different things to different people. So just jump in with your gut feeling. How much will it cost you to complete the activity? You’ll want to put anything of “zero” cost at the top.
Now you have your priorities set. If a task is high-impact, requires little time, is simple enough, and costs nothing – that’s number one on your to-do list.
I haven’t forgotten that I promised you some tips on how to handle boredom and overwhelm… So here goes.
3 tips on what to do when a task is really boring
- Eat the Frog.
- What’s your frog? I’d define your “frog” as that thing you are not doing. That thing you keep putting on your list but you avoid. Eat it. Get it over and done. Is it a confusing frog? Nail down one clear and do-able frog leg, then. Eat that. Your reward can be doing the little stuff. The reactive “atta-boy or atta-girl” stuff. The emails where people are saying, “wow you are so helpful and responsive!” Believe me, you can still be helpful and responsive. And you will be accountable and kind to YOU by eating the frog. Even if it’s only the frogleg.
- Take smaller bites.
- One way to combat those super boring things is to set your timer. This makes it fun-ner (I am all about fun) and also it’s a game (my ad/hd folks, especially, LOVE games and contests). Woo hoo! So…do this…set a timer for 10 minutes and for only those 10 minutes, focus on that task. Or if you’ve broken the to-do down into sub-tasks, just take one at a time. Usually, once we get into things, we continue with them and you’ll have it over and done with before you know it. It’s mind blowing how we avoid and procrastinate, and, when we actually “do” it…it takes a much shorter time! Stop when you said you were going to so you believe yourself the next time. And….supertip…if something is 2 min or less, just do it! Don’t put it on the list at all…
- Give yourself a pat on the back.
- Regular rewards work wonders and help maintain your focus. Whatever your reward may be (it could be a walk in the crisp Fall air, or 10 minute YouTube break), make sure you feel good after having completed something you find dull.
All of the above can really help when you’re feeling overwhelmed. Having an action plan with clear priorities and milestones will enable you to approach your goal with confidence.
Remind yourself daily of what you want to achieve and why. Visualize what things will be like when you’ve met your goal. And remember, you only need to focus on one task at a time and you’ll naturally reach your goal.
Maintaining focus and sustaining productivity can be really tough, but these tips will really help. If you want more help with productivity, I’m excited to tell you I have a new class starting mid-September. Keep your eyes peeled for more information, coming soon.
In the meantime, nail down that 100 day sprint-goal and take the productivity quiz to see how ready you are!