Are you having trouble focusing on a single task? Are you struggling to feel motivated throughout the day? We’ve been there.
In a world full of endless distractions and digital noise, it can be difficult to focus, period. Many of us make the mistake of relying on effort and willpower to combat this problem, only to find themselves in an afternoon stupor all over again.
We have written at length about the power of daily habits, and we believe that a system of good habits is indispensable for modern-day professionals to keep stress and fatigue at bay.
And while good habits are remarkably effective in helping you achieve your goals, they can easily be negated by poor daily habits. Poor daily habits are often done subconsciously, and they are equally effective in inviting stress and anxiety into your life.
In this article, we discuss six daily habits that may be putting your mind and body off balance and hindering your professional growth as an entrepreneur.
1. Making too many decisions in the morning.
Studies show that the average American adult makes about 35,000 decisions a day. An emerging body of science also indicates that our decision-making ability is a finite resource that depletes the more it is used – a phenomenon known as decision fatigue. A common mistake amongst busy adults is that they use up their precious decision-making skills in the morning – on trivial things like what to wear, what to eat, what music to listen to, etc. – only to feel depleted when asked to make important decisions later in the day. Spend less time choosing an outfit and switch to a uniform. Streamline your breakfast menu. Create a go-to playlist. Since mornings are usually when our decision-making skills are at their peak, reserve this time to tackle demanding projects or refine your long-term goals.
2. Overeating.
Yes, “breakfast is the most important meal of the day” – but it shouldn’t be your heaviest. In fact, loading up too much on sugar and carbohydrates early in the day sets you up for grogginess, fatigue and irritability in the afternoon. Skip the white toast, sugary fruit and coffee sweetener in the morning and opt for a protein-rich breakfast like eggs, nuts, beans, fish, and meat. Avoid overeating and experiment with smaller servings to determine your “just enough” portion to get you going throughout the day. (We started with 3/4 and worked our way down from there). You’d be surprised to learn how much you can focus when your brain isn’t trying to scream over your digestive system and balance your insulin and serotonin levels at the same time.
3. Scrolling without purpose.
While we understand that social media is now an indispensable part of growing a business – we are web designers, after all – we also believe that it can be a huge detriment if used incorrectly. Yes, you should use social media to create and share content that adds value to your followers’ lives. Yes, you should use social media to connect with your audience and other like-minded businesses and individuals. No, you should not use social media to aimlessly consume whatever content the algorithm wants you to see. If you find yourself scrolling without a clear purpose to create or connect – even if it’s on your business account, even if it’s to grow your follower count, even if it feels very much like “networking” – chances are, you are not getting a good return on the time invested. If you’re looking to “network”, you would be much better off creating quality content or connecting with people directly.
4. Neglecting your circle of influence.
A life-changing principle from Stephen R. Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Effective People” is the circle of concern vs. circle of influence diagram. In short, most people have a large circle of concern containing things that matter to them, like the economy, politics, or how others perceive them. Within that circle is their circle of influence, which contains things that matter to them that they actually have control over, like furthering their education, drafting a business plan, or treating their loved ones with respect. Many people hyper-focus on their circle of concern – think about how passionate people get over things like politics and celebrity gossip – while neglecting their circle of influence. Outlining the things that matter to you and distinguishing what you can and can’t control is deeply empowering and ensures that you are working toward tangible goals.
5. Cluttering your workspace.
Your work environment has a significant impact on your focus and productivity. Yet, many people feel called upon to decorate their desks with plants and other decor items. They try to focus on a singular task while dozens of tabs and applications are competing for their attention. Clear your desk area using our “daily reach rule”: if you don’t reach for it everyday, it should be tucked away. Close every tab and application on your screen except for the task that you are working on. Declutter your workspace at the end of each work day – both physically and digitally – to set the tone for the next morning.
6. Not drinking enough water.
Studies show that even mild dehydration can impair your mood and cognitive performance. Your body requires sufficient amounts of water to perform fundamental tasks like regulating your body temperature and circulating blood to carry oxygen to each cell in your body. Expecting your brain to read spreadsheets, draft proposals and come up with marketing strategies while dehydrated is a tall order indeed. Keep a bottle of water by your desk throughout the day. If you need a dose of aesthetic encouragement like us, invest in a sleek and minimal water bottle.