How do you stay focused?

14 years ago

heyey heee

You have got to FOCUS. it is very very easy to get destracted because everyday you keep running after shiny objects. You've got to stop and FOCUS

Focus on a Niche
Focus on product
Focus on a method of marketing, how are you going to promote the product, PPC, PPV, SEO.etc

You've got to be in it for the long haul..

Do not be fooled by these one click magic button software that promises you instant wealth.

So Stay focused and time you will succeed.

Thanks

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Michael Thorsett

14 years ago

I have bills to pay. That keeps me focused on work.

As far as focusing between projects, you need to be very organized. Keep in mind that you are a business owner, and as such, you have to keep the ship sailing in the right direction, as it were.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of tools, methods, shortcuts and mind tricks to keep you focused on the task at hand, and to help organize between projects.

If you find yourself with more ideas than time, learn to keep careful, highly detailed notes. You'll find that when you come back to your notes on an idea after a month or so, that your subconscious has been thinking about it, and you'll inevitably have more to add to your original notes. Think about scheduling new projects to begin in a few months; that way, you'll always have something new to be looking forward to.

If you still have too many ideas, consider licensing them. There are some good threads here about licensing ideas; also, doing a Joint Venture (JV) with another Warrior can help you leverage your time and allow you to take on more projects.

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cjshu99

14 years ago

I understand. It's really tough. There is always a "new" method or technique out there. I get overwhelmed with the information overload. After I log off, I always ask myself if I did anything that would help me profit?

I guess its good to plan what you are going to work on before getting on the computer.

Thanks

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kochtgr

14 years ago

Being able to stay focused on one thing each time is one of the main differences of those who succed online and those who don't. It's really important to not jump from one opportunity to the other. Of course there is no particular way to stay focused you just need to stay focused it's that simple...

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IMHunter

14 years ago

Focus
Stay Organize
Set Up Hourly, Daily and Weekly Goals

Thanks

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louie6925

14 years ago

I think you already know the answer as you said it in your post!

Testimonials mean nothing, too many people JV'ing to trust any testimonial, so with that in mind, dont beleive them then you wont get sidetracked.

For me, when I was at that point your at, I unsubscribed from every list I was on, and took a break from this forum other than asking questions and getting advice! dont open up the wso forum for a month and dont read any emails, work on your own and ask for help when needed. Once that first sale comes in, you have reached a benchmark and can see what you are doing is working, then its all about ramping up your efforts.

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Cajun Copy

14 years ago

Thanks, everyone, for your insights.

When you catch yourself getting distracted, what strategies do you use to bring yourself back to focusing on the task at hand? Do you have a certain system or routine that supports you in getting back on track?

When you find yourself using your time in an unproductive way, how do you reset and refocus?

Thanks

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Ken Hoffman

14 years ago

Study some basic time management techiques. I highly recommend Eben Pagan's Wake Up Productive course. You can probably get it on Ebay for not too much. If you are not already, write down all your ideas to get them out of your head. Then practice discipline to stay focused on the one you are working on. If you make that one your dominant throught throughout the day you will take action on it. Write down a daily action plan. Practice self-awareness...that is to notice yourself when you get distracted. The more you are aware of it the faster you can stop doing that. Decide what you are going to focus on. But take some time with that decision. Then commit to sticking with it for at least a month and then reevaluate. Then block out a 2 hour chunk of time everyday to only do work towards that goal. If you have your whole day free then block out 3 chunks of time like that. Biggest thing you can do is start learning about time management (which is really emotionally managing your own state) and apply what you learn...one thing at a time.

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Cajun Copy 14 years ago

Originally Posted by Ken Hoffman

I highly recommend Eben Pagan's Wake Up Productive course.

Ken,
Thanks for the suggestion! I'll check it out as soon as I tke action on the projects I have in front of me.

I appreciate everyone who chimed in with their thoughts. I suppose we can always learn from each other about what makes us more productive. Question is: are we willing to do anything besides "learn?"
- Thanks
- 1 reply
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- Manjeet Banger 14 years ago
  
  Pick one thing you want to do and Plan your day, week or even month on what you want to do and what task you want to accomplish and what outcome you want and get some momentum.
  
  Try writing a journal on everything you have been doing online and outside of the online arena can be alot of help, overtime you'll look back on it and see what has been distracting you and what you can change to be more productive.
  
  Thanks
  
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ochaim

14 years ago

I think its best to concentrate on why you get distracted in the first place and the rest will fall into place.

I went through the shiny object syndrome for a while, I told myself I was I was investing in my IM education, and in a way I was. But ultimately I had to break that cycle to help me move on to taking action.

What I realized was every thing that is presented as a shiny object, has polished, and repolished over and over again.

If it looks ,from your experience its something new, and it may very well be. Don't jump in. If its really the next big thing, there's going to be other wso's that are likely going to be a lot better by other warriors.

I remember there was one wso in particular. It was touted as THE new place to do business for 2012 and beyond. Promoted out the yin yang (that's a clue), since, not another peep about this great new marketplace.

To me its all BS til I see a second WSO about it.

Extend that line of reasoning further, you don't need to have anything right now. Scarcity be damned.

Work on your sites, keep an ear to what's going on in the WSO's but get into the habit of ignoring the offers. If there's something that happens to save you time in the course of what you're currently doing, then buy it. Otherwise, hit close window and continue with your goals.

You could also unsubscribe completely from the wso mailing lists, but i still find it important to keep current with the IM landscape while avoiding getting hook by any promos.

Just something I've settled into the past month.

And I'm much more productive for it.

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ketset

14 years ago

I get away from the computer and get out into the real world every now and again. A bit of fresh air does me good.

I focus on the things that work, If i have worked on something too long with no benefit then I will just stop and move on the the next thing that does work.

Thanks

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Andrew Mak

14 years ago

i have been flooding with ideas in the pass 10 years, and i guess this is the reason why i failed so many times.. lol

you can get some tools to help stay focus

pomodoro software

Download Focus Booster 1.2 Free - An AIR application, to help you implement The Pomodoro Technique - Softpedia

Thanks

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blogreco

14 years ago

The best way to remain focused is to ensure you value what you are doing. If you are chasing ideas, that's exactly what you are doing... CHASING. Those kind of ideas are short lived because you don't really care for them--there just ideas that don't come from within. Think about the things you value and why. Generate ideas around those things instead. You will be more excited, motivated and won't lose your focus.

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Zeus66

14 years ago

I sent a kind of "tough love" email about this. The main point was facing up to being lazy, which I think too many of us pretend isn't an issue. But in the course of that email, I gave a few pointers on how to eliminate distractions and generally keep yourself focused on the tasks at hand.

I don't have an IM blog (not for lack of trying but I lose focus, ironically). But my friend Britt asked if she could repost my email. I'm not promoting any products or anything like that, so I guess it's ok to post a link to her blog...

WTF Did John Schwartz Just Tell Me That I’m Lazy?

Hope that helps a little!

John

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Cajun Copy

14 years ago

John,
Great read! I'm going to save that to read every day for a while before I sit down to work.

A couple thoughts:

I love what you said about being "stuck in education mode."

I see so many IMers testifying how great the information they're getting is. But I see very few testimonials about actual results gained from following the advice. it's not the fault of those providing the information; some of the information is actually stellar. It's the fault of those (admittedly, often like myself) who are stuck in education mode.

My family doesn't eat "education mode" earnings. We don't get to keep a roof over our head with "education" earnings. Michael said "I have bills to pay. That keeps me focused on work." For many, this is a "side gig" they're "trying on" to see if it fits. For me, my livelihood depends on my discipline. Anything I can learn to improve my ability to focus and get the job done makes my life easier and my family's future more secure (which is why I asked the question).

You also said to work in short bursts. For a long time, I thought that was true for me. Today, after I posted this question, I really got to thinking about it. I work in short bursts, too. The problem is that my 5 minute breaks last 25 minutes. Before you know it, 4-5 hours have passed and I've only completed 25 minutes of work.

I'm trying to get myself to focus for longer periods of time for this reason. When I worked at a brick and mortar job before I quit to write full-time 4 years ago, I had to sit my behind in the chair and force myself to listen to angry customers complain about ridiculous things for 2-4 hours at a time, whether I felt like it or not. Some days, I even pulled this off when I was sick with the flu. So much of what you said in that email rings true to me. Except the part about being lazy, of course

Thanks
1 reply

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ShayB

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Cajun Copy

Hi Warriors,

I have a question: how do you stay focused?

Here's my situation: My mind has been flooded with ideas over the past few weeks. I want to implement so many different things that I keep heading in every direction.

I notice that many of you face a similar frustration. As I read through the WSO's and testimonials, everybody says how great these products are. Yet very few testimonials say, "I did what this person said, and this is the result I got.'

There seems to be no shortage of ways to make money online or offline, whether you're a newbie or an established veteran. Yet most people keep going after the shiny objects and never actually take the action that produces results.

I'm in a position where I can chase down all of the ideas I have at the same time and not get anywhere, or I can pick 2 or 3 (or better yet, one) to focus on with all my energy.

Yet I keep letting myself get distracted. I get sidetracked.

How do you keep yourself from getting sidetracked? The internet is full of ideas, but how can it be so easy when so few actually accomplish worthwhile goals because they stay sidetracked?

Thanks for your feedback. Thanks for allowing me to pick your brain and learn from others who "walk the walk" instead of simply "talking the talk."

I make a list of all of my ideas. I keep a notebook with me at all times. I jot down all of my ideas and then pick the ones I feel are the best ones to work with.

When done, I check them off the list.

Originally Posted by Cajun Copy

Thanks, everyone, for your insights.

When you catch yourself getting distracted, what strategies do you use to bring yourself back to focusing on the task at hand? Do you have a certain system or routine that supports you in getting back on track?

When you find yourself using your time in an unproductive way, how do you reset and refocus?

I struggle with ADD. It's not a joke (though I do joke about it from time to time). I have the attention span of a bug.

Yet I have produced dozens of products, training classes and webinars.

I use an online stopwatch to keep myself on track. I set it for one hour at a time, then I go and take a break.

I also tend to have 2 or three projects going at one time (sometimes), so I can nurture my ADD that way.

Originally Posted by Cajun Copy

John,
Great read! I'm going to save that to read every day for a while before I sit down to work.

A couple thoughts:

I love what you said about being "stuck in education mode."

I see so many IMers testifying how great the information they're getting is. But I see very few testimonials about actual results gained from following the advice. it's not the fault of those providing the information; some of the information is actually stellar. It's the fault of those (admittedly, often like myself) who are stuck in education mode.

My family doesn't eat "education mode" earnings. We don't get to keep a roof over our head with "education" earnings. Michael said "I have bills to pay. That keeps me focused on work." For many, this is a "side gig" they're "trying on" to see if it fits. For me, my livelihood depends on my discipline. Anything I can learn to improve my ability to focus and get the job done makes my life easier and my family's future more secure (which is why I asked the question).

You also said to work in short bursts. For a long time, I thought that was true for me. Today, after I posted this question, I really got to thinking about it. I work in short bursts, too. The problem is that my 5 minute breaks last 25 minutes. Before you know it, 4-5 hours have passed and I've only completed 25 minutes of work.

I'm trying to get myself to focus for longer periods of time for this reason. When I worked at a brick and mortar job before I quit to write full-time 4 years ago, I had to sit my behind in the chair and force myself to listen to angry customers complain about ridiculous things for 2-4 hours at a time, whether I felt like it or not. Some days, I even pulled this off when I was sick with the flu. So much of what you said in that email rings true to me. Except the part about being lazy, of course

If you find your breaks are longer than intended, set a timer for your breaks, too.

Hope this helps.

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Cajun Copy

14 years ago

Originally Posted by ShayRockhold

If you find your breaks are longer than intended, set a timer for your breaks, too.

I do set a timer...I just tend to "play" right through the timer. Like John said, I'm lazy! (No, I'm not, in case you're wondering).

Actually, Shay, some of this is your fault

Some of this flows from ideas you planted in my head.

If you'll excuse me, my timer "just" went off (8 minutes ago).

Thanks
1 reply

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ShayB

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Cajun Copy

I do set a timer...I just tend to "play" right through the timer. Like John said, I'm lazy! (No, I'm not, in case you're wondering).

Actually, Shay, some of this is your fault

Some of this flows from ideas you planted in my head.

If you'll excuse me, my timer "just" went off (8 minutes ago).

I fully accept the blame!

The timer I use is REALLY loud. I've conditioned myself to return to work/stop work when it goes off.

Even the kids help - when they hear the timer (you can hear it all through the house), they remind me to stop work or go back to work. That really does help.

Thanks
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Cajun Copy

14 years ago

Originally Posted by ShayRockhold

Even the kids help - when they hear the timer (you can hear it all through the house), they remind me to stop work or go back to work. That really does help.

My 2 year old does this. He's a productivity guru. He should probably start his own WSO. We'll have college taken care of by the time he's 3. He yells, "TIMER! DADDY TIMER! TIMER!" if I don't go back to the office when the timer goes off.

Doesn't help me though.

Thanks

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Lightlysalted

14 years ago

I struggle with this aspect. For me I set up my day to get do mundane things for an hour before moving in to new creative work mud morning.

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HawkPrecision

14 years ago

Are you focusing on the warriorforum or your website?

Focus is easy, just do it. If it hurts like hell. Good. That means you're doing it the right way.

Don't ask about it because then you're asking a rather ironic question.

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GMT

14 years ago

Just picture the end result of the project you're working on, and ignore all other projects. When you've finished the one in front of you, then you can take on another, but don't look past it, as trying to take on too many things at once is a good way to start many things, and finish none. You know i'm a big fan of the tv show Dual survivors, it's where they stick two professional survalvist in different regions of the world with very few items and have them show you how to survive. One of the things I love is when they mention calorie expenditure where a calorie is a unit of energy, and the idea is to only burn calories on things that are the most advantageous to you and your survival. The same can apply to IM in turns of your time, energy and capital, there's only so many hours in a day unfortunately.

Thanks

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zelgly2

14 years ago

If you have so many ideas in your mind just priorities those, which one has to be finished first and go according with it. Do not devaite at any point. make a work schedule and work by which you can finish the work on time.

Thanks

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weheartcontent

14 years ago

Originally Posted by Cajun Copy

Hi Warriors,

I have a question: how do you stay focused?

Here's my situation: My mind has been flooded with ideas over the past few weeks. I want to implement so many different things that I keep heading in every direction.

I notice that many of you face a similar frustration. As I read through the WSO's and testimonials, everybody says how great these products are. Yet very few testimonials say, "I did what this person said, and this is the result I got.'

There seems to be no shortage of ways to make money online or offline, whether you're a newbie or an established veteran. Yet most people keep going after the shiny objects and never actually take the action that produces results.

I'm in a position where I can chase down all of the ideas I have at the same time and not get anywhere, or I can pick 2 or 3 (or better yet, one) to focus on with all my energy.

Yet I keep letting myself get distracted. I get sidetracked.

How do you keep yourself from getting sidetracked? The internet is full of ideas, but how can it be so easy when so few actually accomplish worthwhile goals because they stay sidetracked?

Thanks for your feedback. Thanks for allowing me to pick your brain and learn from others who "walk the walk" instead of simply "talking the talk."

What the mind can conceive it can achieve.

I also have the same problem you do. I still do now. There are just so many things in my mind that I want to do but I constantly tell my mind to STFU AND FOCUS.

This is an exercise I did to make myself focus. It seems sooo bloody simple, but the beauty is in its simplicity:
- List down all the ideas in your head on a piece of paper

- Go through the items you've jotted down and then while being very honest with yourself, quickly note which one of the many ideas you've listed down can be executed within the quickest time possible and will start generating revenue in the shortest time frame possible.

Don't get carried away with this. Just identify which ONE (just ONE) of the many ideas can be EXECUTED FAST and profit FAST. All your ideas are probably million dollar ideas, but execution is the hardest part. Don't think about the amount of money you can potentially make first.

Make you first dollar off that idea, then scale it up and you will be able to rake in thousands.

Once you start to focus, you will be shocked by the amount of revenue you can generate. I am pretty sure a lot of people can attest to this.

In terms of focusing on work and not procrastinate/get distracted, I always meditate.

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GetQualityYoutubeViews

14 years ago

I stay focused exercising and going on fishing trips when my mind is under construction.

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WebMarketingDiva

14 years ago

I have a few tips for staying focused:
1. Close your e-mail, and social networking sites.
2. Put your cell phone in another room so you're not tempted to text or check on the items in #1!
3. Use a desktop timer to keep you focused on one task. I use Action Machine.
4. Pick a strategy - don't waiver - go for it full force!!!!
5. Unsubscribe from all the e-mail lists you're on, keeping only those that will help you in the strategy you choose.

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Zeus66 14 years ago

Originally Posted by WebMarketingDiva

5. Unsubscribe from all the e-mail lists you're on, keeping only those that will help you in the strategy you choose.

This is a great tip! I fight this all the time and I've been in this game over 15 yrs now. It's a productivity killer being on a ton of lists. Narrow the field and just stay on the ones where the list owner always (or at least often) sends emails about your neck of the woods.
- Thanks
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knish

14 years ago

Originally Posted by WebMarketingDiva

I have a few tips for staying focused:
1. Close your e-mail, and social networking sites.
2. Put your cell phone in another room so you're not tempted to text or check on the items in #1!
3. Use a desktop timer to keep you focused on one task. I use Action Machine.
4. Pick a strategy - don't waiver - go for it full force!!!!
5. Unsubscribe from all the e-mail lists you're on, keeping only those that will help you in the strategy you choose.

This is a good "focus" checklist. I think the most important of these is drawing up a list of what you hope to accomplish for the day-a "to do" list with goals.

Thanks

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Cajun Copy 14 years ago

Originally Posted by WebMarketingDiva

I have a few tips for staying focused:
2. Put your cell phone in another room so you're not tempted to text or check on the items in #1!

All of these are excellent reminders. Thanks!

I forgot about this one! You just skyrocketed my productivity in about 3 seconds flat.
- Thanks
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JOSourcing

Banned 14 years ago

Aside all the great advice you've already received, you might also need to physically jolt yourself into a focused frame of mind. The safe way is through diet (Brain Foods Pictures Slideshow: What to Eat for Better Concentration). Other not-so-safe ways are with the over-the-counter toys college students are known to play around with (No-Doze caffeine pills, vitamins, herbs, etc.: Vitamins That Help With Focus & Concentration | LIVESTRONG.COM).

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MrLeaVelle

14 years ago

I multitask and I plan by the week.
I tell myself what I want to have done by the end of the week and I get er done.

My main PC has an extended screen so i get more stuff done and I have a second Pc for my bedroom that allows me to research and do forum stuff before I goto sleep.

I have facebook and email on my blackberry so im never distracted on my actually PC. I can quickly check email and fb messages without taking up too much tim or processing power from my pc.

Thanks

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ShaneBreen

14 years ago

It is tough man. Just stay focused and set small goals. That is what we did for (stupidDOPE.com) and in 2 1/2 years we are able to make a good living and travel the world. Keep pushing!

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eman1

14 years ago

Great question! Staying focused is essential if you want to succeed at anything, including internet marketing. Here are some basic ways to stay focused:

1. Prioritize and set goals. Write down the activities that you must get done each day. These are the things that are going to make you money and help you grow your business.

2. Schedule a specific time and time limits to get each of these tasks done.

3. Continue to educate yourself, always stay in education mode, even after you begin to make money online or offline. This will help to keep you focused and moving forward.

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devogolf

14 years ago

Hi...I was just like you...loved buying all the shiny objects...and I really thought that buying these things was helping me build a business. Well it wasn't...!!! I took the plunge and am now part of a coaching program where I am getting great advice, holding myself accountable and following a proven system. I have made more progress in the last month than the last 2 years. Definitely the way to go...!!!

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JerrickYeoh

14 years ago

I only implement 5 marketing that most effective to me and focus on it .
I will look for other extra marketing when i really have free time for that.
If you just try for everything , you mind end up that everything as a beginner and the effect and result you wish to get will slow.

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