Start the clock! Take 20 minutes to reset your mind and maximize your productivity as an entrepreneur.
It seems like the world never stops. No matter how many emails you write, how many meetings you have and how many hours you work, there are always more tasks nagging at you and more things to accomplish. It can be overwhelming, especially if you're new to the world of entrepreneurship, but even on those busiest crazy days, it's possible to clear your head and set yourself up for higher productivity.
Take 20 minutes out of your day. That's less than a lunch break, so I know you can manage it. All you need is 20 minutes to set yourself straight and start fresh on your remaining tasks.
First, shut everything down. Turn your computer off (or at least face it away from you), turn off the music, turn off all the notifications on your phone and close the door to your office (if you can). Enclose yourself in a distraction-free zone.
- For five minutes, do nothing. Think nothing. Every time you catch yourself starting along the lines of a train of thought, gently pull yourself back to a peaceful, meditative state. Let your mind empty -- think of it as clearing your cache.
- For five minutes, get moving. Even if you feel a little silly, try doing some jumping jacks or some pushups in your office. If you're interested in lower intensity, then simply stretch. But make sure you get your body in motion for five minutes.
- For five minutes, make a list of everything that worries you. These are long-term worries and short-term worries that might otherwise distract you from what you need to do. Then, one by one, cross them off that list. It's a psychological trick that will help you focus on what you can change rather than what concerns you.
- For the last five minutes, jot down the most important tasks you want to accomplish in the rest of the day. This will set a strong course for the remainder of your time at work.
In 20 minutes, you'll have fully refreshed and recharged yourself, with a solid revised direction and a fresh boost of energy.
Jose Vasquez is a serial entrepreneur and tech enthusiast dedicated to helping startup technology companies get the direction and momentum they need to succeed. As the founder of Build. Brand. Blast., Jose has established a collective resource for tech entrepreneurs to consult when brainstorming, creating, launching, or expanding a new business. Jose is also the founder and CEO of Quez Media Marketing, a marketing firm that combines technology and creativity to help new and growing companies get the results they need.