Many people are lamenting that they are working harder than ever.  For some- especially small business owners- this is quite true.  But for others, they may be “working” more hours, but they are not working harder and definitely not working smarter.

Just because you are at a desk or a place of business does not constitute working.  Working requires actually doing work, not just showing up somewhere.  And focus can be just the antidote you are looking for.

If you think you are working too many hours, here are a couple of culprits.

Technology

20 years ago, when you went to work, you didn’t have access to the Internet.  You didn’t have a cellular phone.  You couldn’t send text messages to friends and colleagues. You weren’t bombarded with email. The technologies that can make us more productive can also make us a whole hell of a lot less productive.  If you are at work and doing non-work activities online (or doing a little too much “research” for work), then turn off your computer or if you need to have access to the Internet, block certain websites and email access for chunks of time (if you have a Mac, you can use the app Self Control to do this).

Save your technology dalliances for breaks, lunch or after work and you will find yourself getting a whole lot more accomplished.

Dabbling

Another big culprit of the working more issue is a lack of focus.  It’s become en vogue to thumb your nose at a “corporate” job and take on a number of passion projects.  The problem is that switching between different jobs or projects takes extra time and energy.  It is more effective to focus on one thing and do it very well than focus on a whole bunch of things in a half-assed manner.  I have heard this referred to as “broad range incompetence”- that’s not what you want to be known for!

While it may not be viable for you to just do one thing (although you may want to reconsider), try to minimize the number of different areas that you are putting out extra energy for better results and less hours.

 

What are other culprits that kill your focus?  Any other secrets to improving your focus?  Share below.