As you begin 2019 with the end in mind—the goal of creating your best year ever—some things will probably need to change. One big thing is learning to say no to time wasters and “busyness.” These are traps that keep you from achieving the results you desire.
Many business owners think that because they are busy, they are being productive, but of course this is not always the case. Too many business owners, executives, and staff are distracted by clutter, white noise, and the lack of clear direction and priorities.
Here are a few questions to help you bring clarity and focus to the year ahead:
- What is the 20 percent of your activities that will generate the greatest return on your investment of time, energy, and money?
- What is the 20 percent of that 20 percent?
- What habits can help you develop more clarity of direction and a greater focus on success?
- How can you become more disciplined to accomplish your goals for 2019? Can you block time each week for each priority?
- What are some of your common activities that take a lot of time but generate few results?
- What should you be saying no to in order to focus on your priorities?
Every day you are faced with multiple opportunities to be involved in some sort of activity, whether it is a fundraiser, meeting, club, networking event, or new project. When you’re faced with these opportunities, ask yourself whether it will get in the way of achieving your priorities.
Time is a limited resource. If you want to have greater personal and professional success in 2019, you have to take charge of your time and learn to Just Say No to activities that take you away from focusing on your priorities.
One technique that I have used myself and with others is to create a Stop Doing List. This is a list of everyday activities that are not the highest and best use of your time, energy, and money. Take some time to write down which activities are wasting your valuable resources, and then figure out how to eliminate, automate, or delegate these items.
Michael Porter, the author of over eighteen books has said that “the essence of strategy is choosing what not to do.”
If you need help in choosing what not to do and what is critical to your success in 2019, give us a call. As a former COO of a $40 million company with seven locations I am an expert in business and can help you make 2019 on of your best years ever. www.garyfurrconsulting.com/ 503-312-3145
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