How to Set Limits for Your Small Business – 5 Quick Tips for Success

Do You Experience a Lack of Focus? Is Your Day Filled with Distractions?

We all know that it is ultimately up to you to create a do-able work schedule that will allow you to complete your daily tasks.

But, without some basic Time-Management and discipline, you will find yourself spinning your wheels causing a lack of results.

Many people that suffer from Shiny Object-itis Syndrome also experience the lack of focus that will derail their success.

It’s time to manage those distractions… this is one of those situations, where LESS is MORE!

Setting Limits Will Help YOU Accomplish YOUR Daily Tasks

You will get more done if you set limits for yourself!

To begin, you must manage your distractions – be realistic about the things you do that get in your way and take your attention away from the important tasks.

Get rid of any part of your business that may not be working in your favor.

Example: Don’t try to spread yourself thin by working every social media platform available, instead, focus on 2 or maybe 3 at the most right now, and do them well.

5 Practical Tips to Help You Set Limits

1. Turn Notifications OFF!

If you have some form of alert when you receive an email or Facebook message, turn the notifications off or turn your speaker volume down.

If you have the tendency to have multiple tabs open in your browser window like I do, it is suggested to only have those tabs open that are vital for your business.

Facebook and many email platforms have an active number count on the tab that can lead you to be tempted to open them to check out what’s going on. This WILL cause disruption in your work flow.

2. Create a To-Do List

Make a Schedule – Plan out your day the night before… Create a To-Do list for the following day. Keep it short and simple with the daily tasks that you know you can complete.

Without a to-do list, you will get sidetracked with the everyday hustle and bustle… life has a way of getting in the way!

3. Write Down Times – Daily Work Schedule

Many people including myself have time limits set for a daily work schedule.

Example:

• 7am to 10am – Prep Article – To-Do List
• 10am to 12 noon – Read/Comment on Blogs – Connect w/ People – Social Media Networking
• 12 to 12:30pm – Lunch
• 12:30pm to 2pm – Research – To-Do List
• Etc, etc, etc.

Everyone has a certain time of the day in which they are most productive… find what works for you and have your To-Do list work in harmony with your daily work schedule.

Knowing that you have a limited time to work will help you keep your focus. There is an end in sight, so give it all you got!

4. Communicate Your Limits to Others

If you receive a phone call and are busy during a requested time to do something for that person, be honest with the person, let them know that you already have something scheduled, but they are important to you and you can get to it on such a day.

Most people are generally cooperative with someone who has a schedule and a plan. People are usually more attracted to a person who has things going on.

5. Create a Reward for Yourself

Everybody likes rewards… schedule a lunch or dinner with a friend after a busy day of completing your To-Do list.

Knowing that you will be joining a friend once you complete your to-do list will give you added incentive to hammer out the projects that you have in front of you.

What it all comes down to is that setting limits will help you get what you want.

Closing Comments About Setting Limits for Your Daily Tasks

Like everything else, there is a learning curve to perfect a worthwhile time-management system. Take some time to think about areas in your life that can benefit from setting limits.

Examples:

• If you know that Facebook is a big part of your loss of focus, create a schedule that will allow you to stay connected, yet remain productive.
• If your kids are asking questions while you are working, set some ground rules for your children that they need to follow.

Write down those limit-setters, post them where you can see them, then stick with them.

As stated in the beginning, less is more. Allowing for less stress and getting more accomplished is a good thing. Free yourself for the life you want by setting limits!

Tags: Making Money small business success Small Business Tips