Achieving success is more than reaching your goals; it’s offering your clients the highest level of service you can offer so they’ll feel comfortable referring you. However, if you’re feeling drained physically, mentally or emotionally, your clients will see it and your business may suffer. It’s difficult to offer great service when you’re burned out and frustrated from working long hours with no breaks or time off. To be your most productive and efficient, it’s essential to keep your energy high.
What sustains your energy?
1. Tracking your progress. We say it all the time—in order to see how close you are to achieving your goals, track your progress, including your proactive lead generating activities. Whether you use a mobile CRM or traditional pen and paper, tracking will keep you accountable to your goals and success.
Tracking also keeps you motivated to reach your goals and allows you to maintain perspective when challenges arise. On days when you’re feeling drained or unmotivated, you can reflect on your numbers and get the motivation you need to keep going.
2. Maintaining consistency. Each day may be different, but there are a few activities that are so automatic they’re part of your day no matter what. These are your habits. Habits help you maintain consistency.
Prioritize your day. When you view everything as a priority, you won’t get anything done. Instead, choose one or two tasks that you have to complete no matter what. Those are your priorities. When you complete those tasks, choose the next top priority and work your way down the list.
Set boundaries. When you work for yourself, it’s easy to work all the time. However, to keep your energy high, you have to set a beginning and end time for your work day. Try not to work outside of these times, unless it’s absolutely necessary. Be sure to give yourself one day off per week to rest and spend time with your family and friends and doing the hobbies you enjoy.
Block your time into 90-minute blocks. It’s said the brain can only focus on a task for 90-minutes at a time. Build your day around these 90-minute blocks with 15 minute breaks in-between. The more structure you build into your day, the better you’re able to focus your energy.
3. Taking breaks. All work and no play not only makes you ineffective, it can hurt your productivity as well. Although it seems counterintuitive, it’s vital to take breaks. Adopt the mindset of a sprinter. When you work hard for a pre-determined amount of time, take time to rest before you accelerate the pace again.
Take breaks throughout the day to help your brain recharge and allow you to transition your attention from one task to the next.
Plan breaks into your calendar. At the beginning of the year, pencil in a family vacation, professional seminars and other non-negotiables. Once they’re in your calendar, you’ll be more likely to take them.
4. Staying positive. Keep your energy up with a positive attitude.
Read positive books, listen to positive music and podcasts, and watch inspiring movies. The more positive your intake, the better your attitude.
Surround yourself with positive people. Negative people are energy zappers. Spend time with people who encourage, inspire and uplift you.
Eat right and exercise. Be sure to take care of yourself by fueling your body with healthy food and exercising every day, whether you hit the gym or take a walk at noon.
For more information, visit www.brianbuffini.com.
