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Marketing a business online is overwhelming. For everyone. Even marketing experts. One thing I want you to know is that you’re not failing if you don’t always feel on top of things.
It’s not just all you need to learn and all you need to do, it’s that you’re learning and doing it on a digital platform that is filled with constant distractions.
Does this sound familiar?
“Some days I look up and it’s the end of the day and I’ve not accomplished one single thing toward my goals. My competition seems to be everywhere and producing so much —how are they doing that?! Do they have more hours in the day than I do?”
Sadly, you’re working with the same number of hours in the day everybody else is working with. And I’ll bet those guys aren’t any smarter, more creative, or more hardworking than you either.
So what’s their secret?
It’s not an app or a better project management tool or an improved filing system that you need. Don’t get me wrong, all these things are great, but…
You Don’t Have A Productivity Problem. You Have A Focus Problem.
How do I know you have a focus problem? Because in today’s world of digital distractions and multi-tasking, we all have a focus problem.
The good news is, those who recognize that and take a different approach — a more focused approach — stand to gain a HUGE competitive advantage. Get more done, be less anxious and overwhelmed, and produce more valuable things to put into the world too.
Professor Cal Newport, author of Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World came up with a formula:
work accomplished = time spent x intensity of focus
So, the goal is not for you to be busier. Or to try to cram more into your day.
The goal is to get into more states of flow during your work day: longer periods of intense focus without any interruptions.
The first thing you’ll need is an environment where you can work without any distractions — both those created by others and those that are self-imposed.
And then you’ll need to re-train your brain a bit, because most of us have the attention span of fleas. (You know what I’m talkin’ about!)
When our minds get fatigued, we’re used to flipping back and forth between tasks on our to-do lists, checking email, getting a quick fix of instant gratification on Google, Facebook, Instagram…
Working like this for any length of time has the power to change the way our brain functions, to the point where we lose the ability to sit still for any length of time — focusing on one single task in deep, focused concentration, and without any interruptions.
Doing Deep Work Is The Key To Creating Real Value
And real value gets noticed. Real value has longevity. Real value has the power to build a brand that people trust and love.
The good news is, you can re-train your brain to do more deep work! It might be a little uncomfortable at first, and you might need to build up (maybe you start at 10 minutes and work your way up to an hour, two hours — three! Just imagine what you could get done!)
Even a few more minutes spent each day “in flow” can be transformative — because pretty soon your brain will start playing along and the act of concentrating on a single task will become much more comfortable.
If you don’t have a plan of action, distractions will be even more tempting
When you don’t know WHAT you’re supposed to be focused on to attract your dream clients, it’s very hard to do the deep work that will transform your business.
Taughnee Stone is an award-winning designer, brand strategist, and location-independent business owner for over 15 years. Originally from Anchorage, Alaska, she now lives in Croatia with her husband, energetic Samoyed, and three bossy cats.
