***Achieving Focus and Effectiveness

How valuable would an extra hour every day be to you?nnnEver found yourself saying "I will do ______, when I find the time" or, "time got away from me?" We'll this time management article is for you This is part of the time management guide outlining the 7 secrets to Create an Extra Hour a Day?nnnSo let's go through the secrets quickly. The seven time management secrets that create an extra hour a day are:nn
1. There is no such thing as time management!n
2. Time is for spending.n
3. Crossing the knowing-to-doing GAPn
4. Achieving Focus and Effectivenessn
5. Tapping your Energyn
6. Don't mistake activity for achievement!n
7. Ready FIRE aimn
nSecret 4 is about Achieving Focus and Effectiveness.n

nTime Management Secret 4 in creating an extra hour a day is knowing what you DO with your time and what you are thinking when you do it. First we will focus on what you DO!n

nDo you know where your time goes? Do you know what your top priorities are? Knowing what you do with your time is about using time management tools that suit your personal style to be more effective.n

nA great starting point is tracking your time. In our coaching program our clients track their time for a few weeks. Interestingly most people know that a lot time is spent on “low impact” tasks and the tracking confirms this. The clarity of the tracking provides a solid foundation to move forward. Now they know what is happening they get much clearer on what needs to change.n

nDownload the time tracking form.n

nThe second part of this secret is about staying focused. One of the main reasons people are ineffective is due to a lack of focus. This can be because you struggle to maintain concentration or because you are regularly interrupted and distracted (or a combination of both.)nnA great approach to staying focused is to consciously clear your mind of any other thoughts before you start a meeting or discussion or task. For example, let's say you had a really busy day at work. You still have many incomplete tasks, unread emails and messages to return. You eventually leave work so that you can see you kids before they go to bed. When you get home.nnYou clear your mind of all work tasks, BEFORE you talk to your partner and kids.nnBecause if you don't clear your mind, you can't stay focused and your are in that state where you are there with your kids, BUT you're not really there.nnTo reduce your distractions you can communicate clear expectations to other people. You might tell everyone you are unavailable for the next 2 hours. Or, if my door is closed I can't be interrupted. Or (this is a technique many of my clients really like) find a different room, office or even a coffee shop to work in for a period of time.nnGo easy on yourself. Changing your habits takes time. What you are aiming to do is build momentum and improve each week. Observe what works well. Notice what is not working and acknowledge that noticing is an improvement – it is better than just reacting to what happens.n

nActions: In the next 24 hours.n

nKeep track of your interruptions and your focus. Note how many times you get interrupted. Note when you lose concentration.nnAt the end of each block of time take a minute to reflect on how much progress you achieved and how you feel about that.nnTry clearing your mind before you walk in to your home at night and notice the difference that it makes.