Small business owners often times are misunderstood as being workaholics. Yes it is true that we love what we do otherwise we wouldn't be doing it right? But why the long hours? Why is it that no matter how much time and effort you put into it, rather than getting ahead you are just playing catch up?

Here are some interesting statistics:

According to Dr. Donald E. Wetmore with the Productivity Institute

• A person who works with a "messy" or cluttered desk spends, on average, 1 1/2 hours per day looking for things or being distracted by things or approximately 7 1/2 per workweek.
   
• The average person gets 1 interruption every 8 minutes, or approximately 7 an hour, or 50-60 per day. The average interruption takes 5 minutes, totaling about 4 hours or 50% of the average workday. 80% of those interruptions are typically rated as "little value" or "no value" creating approximately 3 hours of wasted time per day.
   
• 20% of the average workday is spent on "crucial" and "important" things, while 80% of the average workday is spent on things that have "little value" or "no value".
   
• 1 hour of planning will save 10 hours of doing

Numerous studies have found that it takes the brain an average of 15 minutes to re-gain focus once distracted, so if you get 7 distractions an hour- you do the math. Do you ever wonder why you can't get anything done?

With the start of the new year just a week away, we are all thinking about what we are going to do differently next year and I can guarantee that a majority of you will be saying "becoming better organized," "use my time more effectively," "Become more focused." I know, because I am one of them. This resolution is particularly hard right after the holidays because we spend so much time being distracted by all the goings on of the holidays that it often leaves us thinking "Where do I even begin?" Here are some tips to help you get back on track after being side tracked:

1. Decide enough is enough: In order to draw this line, it goes back to your vision. Why are you doing this? Are you doing this so that you can spend less time with your family? Are you doing this so that you can work more hours? I know, you are doing this so that you can be stressed all the time and not enjoy life, right? If this is your life, meaning your business is running you rather than you running it, I think it is time to take your life back!

2. Practice the word "NO"- No other word in the English language has more power over change than this one.

For every one thing you say yes to you are saying NO to something else, is that something else you, your family or your community?

3. Minimize distractions: -Need I say more? Close your door and practice tip number two.

4. Create a Strategic M.A.P.- Get your thoughts out of your head and onto paper, keep your M.A.P. available at all times. (Make sure you clean off your desk first.)

5. Learn something new every day: Read books that will guide you not entertain you. Get a mentor to discuss your challenges, listen to an audio book during your commute. Here is another statistic for you: "95% of the books in this country are purchased by 5% of the population. 95% of self-improvement books, audio tapes, and video tapes purchased are not used." If you practice this tip-then you will actually be ahead of the game.

What I have said here may seem like common knowledge, but it certainly isn't common practice. If you can do only one little thing a day to improve your productivity and you keep doing it, It will have a compound effect and you may be surprised by the results.

Sincerely,

Kathy Roman
Co-Founder, Business Owners Institute, LLC.