Focusing on what counts in your network marketing business

Having trouble completing the most important items on your “to do” list? Would you like to end your day with that feeling of satisfaction? The solution lies in your ability to focus with an intensity similar to that of the laser. This trait is the difference between amateurs and professionals. We are all given the same amount of time each day. Some use that time efficiently to create masterpieces. Others create a life filled with incomplete masses. Which one will you decide to create?

In this complex world, you can get lost in a series of trivial tasks. For example, you can communicate with your downline daily via informational email. Simple task, right? Yes, until you open your email inbox and realize you have 20 enticing new emails. There is even one of that internet guru you love promising more leads for your business.

You decide to multitask and open a few of these emails to empty your email inbox. Well, the internet guru directs you to a free 41 minute video that promises you riches. How could you refuse? You can’t, these guys are good at what they do. Before you know it, you’ve watched a video and now you’re back to the task at hand.

On the way, you glance at your calendar and realize it’s your cousin Joey’s birthday. You make the smart business/social decision to wish him a happy birthday on Facebook so the whole world can see how thoughtful you are. On Facebook, your popularity is confirmed. You have three new friend requests. Of course, it would be impolite not to accept them. So you accept them and communicate with a simple shout on each of its walls. More exposure for you, right? It turns out that your college frat brother sees that you’re online and starts an online conversation with you about the biannual trip to Las Vegas. A few laughs later and 30 minutes later, you’re back at your email to compose that 10 minute email.

You can see how this pattern could easily take eight hours to do one hour of constructive work. You have to learn to focus like a laser. Professionals know how to get the most out of every hour. The difference between having great success in your business.

If this is a new concept to you, take it easy at first. Try a couple of hours of power a day for the next week. During these power hours, block out all distractions and focus like your life depends on it. You will get your valuable goals completed. More importantly, you will take steps to become the leader of the pack.

Another tried and tested method is positive reinforcement. For every 50 minutes of focused energy, reward yourself with a ten-minute treat. Some examples of simple ten-minute treats are a short walk, a quick phone conversation, your favorite snack, or even my favorite random surf on the Internet.

Planning a focused work session is very important. Look around your work area. Does it look like a mixing bowl of everything important in your life? Can everything from invoices to vacation brochures be found in your space? If so, take a precious 10-20 minutes and clean up. Clear your space and you will clear your mind. A clear mind leads to productivity.

Accountability partners are a great tool to stay focused. Partners can be virtually anyone. Many of the clients pay me to keep them on task. However, my most effective accountability partners are my children. I find it impossible to lie to them. I make a simple promise like I’ll play Wii with you if you make sure I fully concentrate on my work for the next two hours. They keep my feet on fire like no one else can. It’s up to you to find out which accountability system works for you. Just make sure you’re using at least one method.

These are just a few ways to stay focused. Find the combination that keeps you on task. Staying focused is one of those fundamentals of success that cannot be overlooked. Remember, take incremental steps daily and you will be pleasantly surprised with your results.