Every business has projects from time to time that demand our total focus and attention. The good news is that there are certain tactics we can use to keep our edge even when we\u2019re under the gun.<\/p>\n\n
The most important thing is to recognize up front that we have to prepare. If you were going to pitch in the World Series tomorrow, you wouldn\u2019t just show up on game night as if it were any other Tuesday. You can\u2019t just wing something like that.<\/p>\n
You would make sure your head was in the game, that you were physically and emotionally ready, that you were focused on the win. It\u2019s that way with any major project\u2014at least if we want to succeed.<\/p>\n
My team and I launch several key products for our business each year. We do a lot to minimize the stress and maximize our efforts, but there are always times and tasks that require far more of us than the usual. If I\u2019m unprepared, it can feel like I\u2019ve been hit by a truck.<\/p>\n
Here are six tactics I use to prevent that from happening, when I'm preparing to undertake any major project. Some are big, some are small, but together they help me stay focused and get the job done. I bet most of these will work for you too.<\/p>\n
One study I read said insufficient sleep impairs our functioning just like too much alcohol. Would you start a major project drunk? I didn\u2019t think so.<\/li>\n
And exercise not only improves our brain\u2019s executive function, it also gives us a welcome endorphin kick.<\/li>\n
For maximum benefit, according to LiveStrong.com<\/a>, breakfast should be about 300 to 500 calories. For me that usually includes a glass of beet juice<\/a>, which allows more oxygen flow in the bloodstream.<\/li>\n To keep this at a minimum I turn off all notifications on my computer and phone. I usually let my team know that I\u2019m going offline, and I sometimes put a sign on my door. A major project is too important to let a little beep, ping, or knock blow my concentration.<\/li>\n Thanks to my friend Stu McLaren<\/a>, I now use Focus@Will<\/a>. It\u2019s a service like Pandora but one that streams music selected specifically to lengthen your attention spans and improve your concentration.<\/li>\n You don\u2019t need anything special to make this work for you. Even the time stamp on your computer will work. Just note the time, give yourself a hard stop, and work like crazy to beat the deadline.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\t\t