Staying on Point

A working dog always has focus.  You can see it in their eyes and in their movement.  One focus, until the task is done.

Keeping on point for a business owner is paramount to the firm’s mission.  Particularly for sole proprietors, it can be difficult to maintain that singular focus.  There are so many distractions each and every day, how do you move forward?

One behavior we have found to be very helpful to staying on point is to use lists.  Lists help you organize and can be a visual reminder of what you have accomplished and what is left to complete.  It may be a bit daunting at first but once you begin to cross off Items, it can be very rewarding.  

Another technique to help stay focused on your mission is to not check email constantly.  Mute it, if possible, and schedule regular check-ins with your email.  The work you need to finish deserves its time and email can pull you away from your current work at any given ping.  Take control of your email, push it to its own time and place, and let your time be better managed.

Another point to address on this topic is to make sure the work you accept is aligned with your company mission.  We have seen professionals accept roles behind their usual scope that prove to be more disruptive to their business than helpful.  The lure of additional income can sometimes take you too far away from what you excel at and cause you to wander.  Revisit your mission statement periodically to avoid this.  

Admiring a working dog’s commitment to the event in front of them can serve as a reminder to all of us.  Make sure you and your business stay on point and continually support your mission statement.  It will likely provide the daily synergy you need to keep moving your business forward.

Be well.