Productivity is an essential component of a successful business. However, between juggling routine duties, employee management and competing business needs, it can be difficult for business leaders to focus on getting their most important tasks done. This can result in leaders overworking themselves and eventually burning out.
To make the most of their limited time, business leaders have to determine which tactics will work best to get them back on track and completing crucial tasks. To help, 14 Forbes Business Council members share the strategies they use as leaders to help themselves to refocus on their work and get down to business.
1. Write Down Important Tasks
If I find myself needing to refocus and knock out important tasks, I first write them down. I will then find a quiet spot and do a brief focused meditation where I visualize myself completing the tasks and completing them with a high degree of efficiency and success. These visualizations are paired with some intense breathing, and the result is a hyper-focused and recharged version of myself. – Andrew Swierkos, The Mountain Shoppe
2. Prioritize Tasks By Urgency And Impact
In such moments, I prioritize tasks by urgency and impact. I allocate focused blocks of time, eliminating distractions and setting specific, measurable goals. This approach ensures efficient use of time and helps me make meaningful progress. – Elizabeth A. Douglas, Esq., Douglas Family Law Group
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3. Assess The True Impact Of Each Task
I sometimes play the ultimate card by asking myself, “Do I really need to do these tasks?” I challenge and assess each task’s true impact. If the task is not mission-critical, it’s taken out and banished from my agenda. This audacious act of not doing nonessential tasks is my personal coup against the chaos, a rebellious stand that keeps me in control and prioritizes what truly matters. – Eduardo Mello, Alabama Solutions
4. Take A Step Back
I take on a rather counterintuitive approach by stepping away from my workstation and letting myself truly take a rest for some time. I’ve found that the sense of urgency I have when tasks are piling up and my mind is not focused make me even less productive and effective. So, I take a step back, regain my inner peace and then return to whatever tasks I have for the day. – Ivan Popov, Vipe Studio
5. Do Some Time Traveling
I time travel, meaning I try to fast forward and reflect on my current day as if it were a week from now. I think about the one thing that I will be most proud of or satisfied about having been able to accomplish it. Then, with that thing in mind, I come back to today and focus on the things I need to do to accomplish that one thing. – Ori Carmel, Sowen
6. Eliminate All Distractions
This kind of drifting frequently happens when I get lost answering unnecessary emails, looking at the news or scrolling on Instagram or TikTok. When you feel the day is getting away from you, stop, close all that stuff down and focus on the most important thing that needs to be done. This will center your attention and get your mind where it should be. – Dr. David Lenihan, Tiber Health
7. Set A Firm Time Limit
When the day starts slipping away but important tasks remain, I personally thrive by setting a firm time limit. I allocate around 45 minutes of focused work, shutting out distractions completely, putting my phone on silent and turning off notifications on my laptop. This heightened urgency helps me center my efforts and tackle the pending tasks effectively. – Johan Hajji, UpperKey
8. Delegate Tasks To Your Team
I identify tasks that can be delegated to my team, freeing up valuable time where I’m free for meetings and other priorities. Then, I prioritize the remaining tasks, focusing on the ones with the highest impact or the tightest deadlines. This approach allows me to refocus on key responsibilities and ensures that essential tasks are distributed and addressed, maximizing overall productivity. – Neha Naik, RecruitGyan
9. Use Noise-Canceling Earbuds
Three words: noise-canceling earbuds. Research demonstrates that background music enhances focus on tasks requiring sustained attention. When I need to refocus, I don my noise-canceling earbuds and queue up a favorite trance or house music station. This not only blocks office distractions, but also acts as a clear “do not disturb” signal to potential interrupters. – Chad Wolver, Adobe Population Health
10. Use The Pomodoro Technique
I practice the Pomodoro Technique. Setting a timer for focused work intervals of 25 minutes, followed by short breaks, boosts my productivity. This structure enhances concentration, minimizes distractions and empowers my ability to efficiently tackle crucial tasks, allowing me to reclaim control over my day. – Justen Arnold, Flexx Mobility & Performance LLC
11. Eat A Solid Meal
I take a break and ensure I have eaten a solid meal. I can focus so much more clearly and feel so much less anxious when I’ve had a good meal. Slowing down to speed up is my go-to strategy. – Danielle Levy, Danielle Levy & The Boardroom League
12. Practice Contemplation
Revisiting the practice of contemplation has been a game-changer. Silence, breathing and giving thanks help refocus my core energy. A healthy spirit of diligence can be found through the Examen and other similar exercises of meditation. – Dale Fickett, Open Trellis
13. Employ A Three-Part Strategy
As a CEO with three young kids, I rarely get a full night’s rest. I use a three-part strategy to boost my energy levels and stay focused. First, I take walks throughout the day, which helps get my blood flowing and increases my oxygen levels. I’ve also found that drinking water and fasting helps reduce my fatigue. Lastly, working at a standing desk (and even dancing while I work) often keeps me from fading. – Arthur Bretschneider, Seniorly, Inc.
14. Take A Break
One strategy that can help you regain your footing and get back in the zone is taking a break. Sometimes, stepping away from your work, whether it’s to take a walk, listen to music or do deep breathing exercises, can help you clear your mind and refocus. By recharging, you may find that you’re more energized and productive when you return to your work. Don’t underestimate the power of a break. – Michael Shribman, APS Global Partners Inc.
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