If you’re the type of business owner that constantly feels as though you’ve accomplished nothing of high-value most days, simply because you’re constantly putting out fires, doing tasks you shouldn’t be doing, or are distracted by 1-million other things in your business, then it’s time you start implementing a few of these tips and tricks in your daily routine!

1. Get an app that literally blocks your online distractions. Apps for Google Chrome internet browser such as “StayFocused” can be set up to block your computer from accessing any tempting site from you for a certain amount of hours. Facebook always on your mind? Block it until lunch hour or even the entire work day. LinkedIn notifications distracting you? Determine what time of day (and for how long) is all right for you to check them!

2. Turn off your cell phone notifications. Especially if you have a personal cellphone on top of a work phone. When you’re working, put your phone on silent or sleep mode for the day. You’ll still receive all your messages but you won’t get a buzz or ding sound until you turn this option off.

3. Shut off notifications from emails and social media from your computer. Mac computers give you the option of setting the “Do Not Disturb” on for a certain amount of time in which you won’t get pop-ups distracting you from your work.

4. Do ONE thing at a time. You heard me. ONE. Block off time using your Google calendar in 30–60 minute long intervals. You can write comments and lay out full plans for each task right on the web. If you want, this app can give you a reminder, say 30-minutes, prior to your next task. Never miss a call or appointment again! Share your calendar with others so they can see when you’re free and when you’re busy. Also colour coordinate your tasks. Ex: make red very important, green a quick, easy task, and yellow something intermediate or something you do as a part of a team.

5. Every hour get up a stretch. Walk around your office, or at the very least, look away from your computer screen for 5 minutes. Trust me, this is where the migraines come in if you aren’t careful! Take time to stay hydrated, drink water, and eat something. Work is priority, but you and your body and mind should be too. You’ll be 10x more eager to work throughout the day just by taking little breaks for yourself every once and awhile!

6. Use sticky notes! These are great for when a random idea pops into your head that you don’t want to forget but shouldn’t focus on right away. Stick them right to your monitor and on your next break, re-read it and put it into your schedule for the day or week if possible.

7. Learn to say no. Dedicated to getting a big task done by the end of the work day? Do you have it put into your Google calendar for the next, say, 2 hours and have provided your team with a spare block hour sometime else in your day? If they come to you during your 2 hours of working on that big task, say no. Unless, of course, it’s an emergency. Tell them to come back during your free hour!

Stay focused, friends! All these tips will result in small, but positive changes, but they’ll take you such a long way as business owner! A more productive day is just around the corner.

For more tips and advice and to learn how we can help your business advance, click here to get more information!

We also have an amazing online workshop coming up that’s going to teach contractors like yourself how to create systems your team can run without you— which, obviously, will help you with your day-to-day productivity! Click here for more information and to register! (Spots are limited!)