10 Principles to Eliminate Distractions and Increase Success

We're all guilty of allowing the little things to distract us from what we should be doing. The more efficiently you can work the bigger returns you will receive. Take a moment and ask yourself where you truly want to be? Now tell me how many things you did today, yesterday, and the day before yesterday that directly contributed to the future results you want. And then tell me how many things you did today that did not contribute to your success. Those things probably distracted you from what you knew you should have been doing.

So you might be saying, ah - it's OK, everyone does it and shrug it off. Well, not everyone does it - however, most do. So what's the harm in the little everyday distractions? Those distractions are called distractions for a reason. They are distracting you from doing what you need to do in order to get you where you ultimately want to be.

Minimize distractions and you'll reach your goals faster - plain and simple. You must minimize distractions and focus on the tasks that have a positive effect on your success.

Apply all of these ten principles to reduce and eliminate distractions.

1. Stay off the internet. Just don't get on it - because once you do, you're more likely to get sucked into it. If you have to get your fix, do it at the end of the work day or a set time during the day.

2. Remove computer desktop icons. Out of sight, out of mind is typically a good policy.

3. Remove desktop clutter. Place only current files needed on your desk, while the others are filed away until you need them.

4. Eliminate noises. Even alert sounds from your computer can be distracting; like the sound you hear when you receive an incoming email.

5. Discourage walk-in traffic. Establish clear boundaries when you are not to be distracted, unless it's an emergency like the building is burning down and you need to get out.

6. Screen your calls. It's ideal if you have someone answer every call since real-person response is a vital part of a successful business. Scheduling phone appointments is ideal and leads to working as efficiently as possible.

7. Ask for what you want. There is nothing wrong with asking for what you want. Clear and concise communication saves time for everyone.

8. Learn how to wrangle in excessive conversation. Superficial chit-chat is just that - superficial. If you would like to talk to someone, at least have it be meaningful so it doesn't waste your time or theirs.

9. Work when no one else is around. Take advantage of alone time whenever you can.

10. Use and honor your calendar and task list. Remember; concentrate on doing the things that have the highest probability of you achieving your goals and that build your success. Distractions offer no return and no profit.

Wouldn't it be great if our 'good intentions' worked the way that we think they should? Not even enthusiasm guarantees positive results. There's often a wide gap between our intentions and our actions. We fail to take the action necessary to be in alignment with our good intentions. We allow things to distract us way too much each and every day.

Generally speaking, it's easier to become distracted when you're self-employed because it removes the accountability factor. Remind yourself that those little distractions offer little return, if any at all, for the time you've invested. Instead, stick to the productive tasks that build your success. Eliminate distractions and you have an even better chance of acting on your good intentions and achieving amazing results!