This week when you start your to do lists I suggest you
create a “stop doing list”. I would
wager that you would see more productivity from implementing a “stop doing
list”, than ticking off the many tasks on your to do list. Early on in our businesses we wear all the hats and juggle a
zillion tasks. As you progress if you
don’t focus on YOUR SECRET SAUCE you
will be stuck in the vicious cycle of doing everything, working too long, not
being productive and not making enough money!
Here are some areas where entrepreneurs can get buried – get
real with yourself and stop the cycle.
Doing your own things
like bookkeeping or designing. Even
if you’re okay at these things they aren’t what you went into business for
(unless of course they are J). Delegate them to someone who will do them
more efficiently leaving you to the job of business building.
Getting Trapped in
Busy Work – spending hours on a facebook timeline photo or making sure all
your file folders are colour coded are things that you SHOULDN’T be spending
your time on. How about spending that
time connecting with past or future clients, organizing or attending a
networking event – which is a better use of your time?
Easy gratification
versus long term success – stop focusing on the small things that are
easily completed and give you instant gratification by ticking them off your to
do list. Think about one strategic
priority that you can work on each day and spend your time taking a bite out of
that.
Perfectionism Paralysis
– plain and simple this can kill your business!
There is no such thing as perfect anyway – it’s all in the eye of the
beholder. Strive for excellence, not
perfection – and sometimes done is better than excellent. Be selective and decide in advance what level
of excellence is required for each job.
I’d love to hear what ends up on YOUR “STOP DOING LIST” – just don’t do it!
