Today, our time and attention have become amongst our greatest commodities, says productivity expert Lara Nercessian.  Yet, it has become increasingly more difficult to tune out the noise and distractions and to focus on the work that actually matters.

Many business owners are finding themselves in a perpetual state of overwhelm, with a constant onslaught of demands vying for their attention. These demands can often compound over time, ultimately leading to exhaustion and, in some cases, burnout.

Whilst it may seem like there is no end in sight to these demands and pressures, there are certain strategies that business owners can implement to minimise distractions and safeguard their focus.

5 ways to eliminate distractions

1. Conduct a time audit

Conduct a time audit and identify the key tasks that consume time throughout your day:

• What tasks meaningfully contribute to the positivity, productivity or profitability of your business?
• What tasks can be outsourced, delegated, eliminated or rescheduled to a later date?
• What tasks are amongst some of the greatest time-consuming activities that are not significantly contributing to the overall success of your business?

2. Utilise a planning methodology

Allocate time on a weekly basis to plan your key business and revenue-generating activities and to work on your highest-priority actions. Utilise time-blocking practices to ensure that outcome-based tasks are scheduled and prioritised on your calendar. Allow sufficient time to work on tasks that will drive your business forward. Schedule in time for breaks, so that you have adequate time to rest and recharge.

3. Safeguard your attention and focus

High-performing entrepreneurs recognise the need to develop personal practices to safeguard their focus and eliminate distractions. Some practical ways to practice expanding your attention include:

• Allocating time in your schedule to check emails, messages and social media at designated times throughout the day e.g. 30 minutes in the morning and 30 minutes in the late afternoon/evening
• Time management techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique to maximise productivity during short periods of focused time.
• Reducing / outsourcing / eliminating other distractions from your work day, such as scrolling, prolonged conversations or meetings without a clear agenda.

4. Create time for spaciousness

 Whilst it may seem counter-intuitive, high performers recognise the need for spaciousness in their day for the purpose of increasing clarity, focus and productivity. Bill Gates plans his infamous ‘think weeks’ each year. Warren Buffet allocates 5-6 hours to read each day. Many CEOs can be found out on the golf course, outside in nature or away from their desks, recognising the need for spaciousness in developing their greatest ideas and solutions to problems.

5. Implement a Proactive vs. Reactive approach

One of the benefits of rising early is the space it creates for CEOs, leaders and entrepreneurs to take a more proactive rather than reactive approach to their day. Rising early and performing some form of morning meditation, a workout or simply carving out time to think and ideate can set the tone for a positive and productive day. There is value in intentionally setting each day up for success rather than waking up and immediately reacting to the plethora of emails, news and other people’s requests.

Implementing some of these practices can help to eliminate distractions, increase focus and maximise productivity in business. Whilst there may be some planning and intentionality to initially set these systems and processes in motion, the long-term outcomes in terms of positivity and productivity can have the potential to be significant.

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