How many times do you start one project only to get distracted by another...and then another? If this sounds like you, you're not alone. Many people are admitting they have business ADHD and need help focusing on tasks.
What Is Business ADHD?
Business ADHD is what occurs when you become easily distracted and cannot focus on your work. You move from one thing to another without finishing anything. Ideas come into your mind and you move onto them constantly. At the end of the day, you discover you have not accomplished anything. This is definitely not good for business.
How to Control It
You need to learn how to control your ADHD so you can complete projects and keep your clients happy. The success of your business depends on your ability to focus. Let’s go over some ideas to help you improve your ability to focus.
Make a plan so you know exactly what must be done that day. If you know exactly what to do, you can more easily focus because you can see the end of the list. Each time you can cross something off as completed, it gives you the motivation to move on to the next project.
Set a timer. Everyone needs to take breaks so they can stay on task. Getting up and moving may seem like a distraction, but you will be able to focus more on your project if you know in a certain amount of time you can go for a walk or get a cup of coffee. Breaks refresh your mind and body. They are a must for anyone with business ADHD.
Reward yourself. Most people go to work only for the reward – a paycheck. As a self-employed person, you need to reward yourself, too. Go get an ice cream cone after you complete an important presentation. Promise yourself a new book when the project is done. Your reward doesn’t have to be expensive – just something you enjoy that you can look forward to.
Turn off distractions. This includes your cell phone and other electronic devices. You cannot focus on work when you are checking Twitter or Facebook every few minutes. Tell friends and family when you will be working and ask them to not disturb you unless it’s an emergency. It’s too easy to forget work when you are having fun talking to a friend. Plan to check your email no more than once every 90 minutes.
Stop multitasking. While it may seem like you are getting more done if you are multitasking, that’s not true. When you are trying to do more than one thing at a time, you are not truly focused and can make mistakes or need to redo the whole project. Decide which project is most important and only work on that one until it is done.
