“Just one more minute,” is often the dialogue people have with themselves as they check their emails for the umpteen time in a day or hop on their favorite social media site to read the latest joke, update or watch a short video.
Several hours later they realize they blew yet another would-be productive day. Then they wonder why they’re not making the kind of money they want to.
In any given day there are ample things vying for your attention. Most of which are not producing notable results.
Recently I wrote a blog post about what I refer to as the Hour of Power. http://www.powerupforprofits.com/2014/06/quit-lying-to-yourself.html
This came from me realigning how powerful it is to put the first hour of my day aside to monetize my business. I tasked my high end clients with implementation of the Hour of Power. The results many received were nothing short of amazing.
One client increased the value of a five figure contract three fold. Another signed a tidy five figure client. Another got several revenue generating projects done in record time.
If you’re not as productive as you want to be isn’t it time to get honest about how you’re spending your time?
Try this… for a the next three days don’t go onto your favorite social media site first thing in the morning. Avoid checking emails first thing in the morning. Don’t watch any fun animal videos first thing in the morning.
Nope. Rather than doing something that sucks your time from you use the most productive hour of your day to monetize your business.
This would include:
- Calling potential clients
- Working on a giveaway designed to build your list
- Creating a landing page for a complimentary teleseminar
- Writing a series of emails leading potential subscribers to one of your giveaways
- Writing an email message that creates value for your subscribers
- Recording a short training video that will benefit your clients
You will be amazed at the results you get when you focus on those activities that create results rather than watching your day dwindle away due to activities that produce no results whatsoever.
Usually I have one or two people write and say, “My most productive hour is not first thing in the morning. This would be a waste of my time.”
If the first hour is not the best hour to choose, pick another. And rather than immediately discounting the process in order to hold onto your unproductive ways, why not give it an honest effort? You WILL be surprised at the results if you are sincere about what you’re doing.
Not sure where your time is going? Keep a time log for a few days and mark down every activity as well as how much time you spend on each. You’ll likely be shocked at what you’re actually doing (or not doing) that is minimizing your success.
What’s your greatest productivity strategy? Share it in the comment box below.
Hurray for acknowledging that there are people who are not their most productive selves first thing in the morning! For those who fall into this category, your advice to “pick another hour” rather than hold onto nonproductive ways is golden!
Monique
Paris Muse of Productivity
When I presented this idea to a group of people, one person, who loves holding on to unproductive strategies, said it couldn’t be done because their first hour of the day is not a good one for them. I said, “Then pick an hour that is and use that.”
People love their stories and love sticking with that does not work.
Excellent advice Kathleen.
My productivity tip would be to pick ONE thing from your to-do list, and focus on getting that one accomplished before doing anything else. I find that if I allow myself to look at that LONG list of projects I’m working, it can feel overwhelming, and it leads many people to do nothing. So, I just focus on one thing, and usually move on to the next only after it’s complete.
Excellent insight Willie. And yes, we need to tackle one thing at a time, just like living life one day at a time.
I recently commented to someone that I don’t watch much TV because it is a time suck. But then, so is social media, although most of my promotions are done through social media. I’ve tried to limit myself to one hour a day online, but it seems as if I will never accomplish that. With that said, I’m off to check my emails. 🙂
It’s all relative to the goals we have. And it’s about focus and discipline. Okay, off to check emails. 🙂
My recommendation? Just roll up your sleeves and GET TO WORK!
Thanks for this post, Kathleen. I came here via Amy Porterfield.
Glad you made your way here. Thanks for commenting and letting me know how you found the blog.