Being a productivity ninja would be great. But always achieving what we set out to do, always meeting deadlines, and crossing off every item on our to-do list before the clock strikes five, is an ideal that few of us can ever achieve. But, if you are wondering how to increase productivity in business, there are some simple steps that will help you, if not achieve everything every day, at least get the most important things done.
In this blog, I’m going to help you to understand the concept of being in flow in your business and show how you can ensure that you use this state to increase productivity in business -and life in general.
Increasing Productivity in Business – The Power of Being in Flow
What is ‘Flow’?
Can you remember the last time that you were so engrossed in an activity that you completely lost yourself in the task? Time passed, but you were so involved in what you were doing that you didn’t notice?
This is what is often referred to as “being in flow” That mental state where creativity blooms, where you’re more productive, more empowered, and ready to achieve. Typically, during these times, you’ll also feel pretty good about yourself. You’ll have the end goal in focus and be motivated to reach it.
You may have heard this referred to as “being in the zone” and you may already have experienced moments like this, where everything goes right, and you’re on the fast track to getting things done.
It’s a great feeling. But if you are looking to increase productivity in your business, instead of passively waiting for moments of flow to arrive, there are things you can do to intentionally create that flow and, in so doing, supercharge your ability to get things done and reduce stress.
Here are 6 practical ways to create flow and reap the benefits:
Set the stage.
The easiest way of signaling to the brain that you want to get into a flow state is to create an action, or series of actions that signal to both brain and body that you want to focus on one specific task, free from distraction.
Your actions could be a short meditation, spending 10 minutes outside in the fresh air, or a few moments making a cup of tea, whilst thinking around the task at hand. It doesn’t matter what your actions are, the key is that they remain the same and are repeated every time you wish to get in flow. This will signal to your mind and body that it’s time to focus.
Get rid of distractions.
Are you guilty of settling down to one task, then being distracted by your phone pinging, messages arriving, or even the lure of social media? These might seem like momentary lapses in focus, but it has been proven that to reach flow, you must eliminate all distractions. Every time you allow your focus to be challenged, you take yourself further from that flow state. In fact, research has shown that it can take 25 minutes to regain full focus.
Don’t also forget that, to the procrastinators amongst us, desk items can also prove an opportune distraction! Help yourself by sitting down at a clear desk. Of course, diversions can come from the inside as well as the outside, so use journaling or meditation to keep your mind as clear as possible from stress and to control your thoughts.
Understand Your Peak Time.
This involves not only being self-aware enough to know when you’re at your best but also combining that with the best environment in which you can focus. It’s pointless to try and create this level of focus when you’re distracted by others and their noise.
So, if you find that your energy levels are at their highest early in the mornings, plus the office or household is quietest then, this might be the time to focus on getting into flow.
Get the Balance between Challenging and Difficult.
Any tasks need to be enough of a challenge that you’re not going to complete them without any thought or effort. You can’t create that all-important flow if you’re brain knows it could complete the task easily; It needs to be enough of a challenge to require your full concentration.
However, on the flip side, if the task means that you spend an inordinate amount of time just trying to figure out how to do it, then you’ll end up stressed and frustrated and as far from flow as you could be.
Flow is being completely involved in an activity for its own sake. The ego falls away. Time flies. Every action, movement, and thought follows inevitably from the previous one, like playing jazz.
Mikaly Csikszentmihalyi
Have a Clear Goal.
One of the keys to increasing productivity in business is to be clear on the outcome you desire from any task. When you lack clarity, your brain will naturally struggle to maintain concentration. In addition, you’ll be laying yourself wide open to procrastination which thrives on a lack of clarity, pushing you towards easier tasks or abandoning the job at hand.
Keep Practising.
Like any muscle, focus is something that doesn’t just “come”. You’ll need to practise sustaining focus for any length of time. The key here is to start small and to gradually increase the time that you are able to maintain in flow.
Summary: The Power of Being in Flow
When you’re looking to increase productivity in business, being in flow gives you a distinct advantage. By practising and maintaining being in flow you’ll be able to stay focused on important tasks and projects and get them done, rather than the “start/stop” methods used by others.
Although it can take time to achieve, once you have mastered working in flow, you’ll most certainly feel happier and more fulfilled in your working day and less stressed.
And that’s what we all want, isn’t it?
Remember, if now is the time to invest in your business growth, to create ease and flow, to discover ways to increase productivity in your business, to align your values to your business, or to build a business that you’ll love getting up to each day, then there are several ways that we can work together:
1. With 1:1 coaching. With monthly or weekly sessions available, we’ll work together to create a sustainable, resilient, and successful business, banish the overwhelm and create success on your terms. Find out more here:
2. If you’re starting out or have a young business then my Startup to Success coaching programme is for you. You’ll learn all the steps to creating strong foundations upon which to grow your business. Click this link to discover more:
3. For those “quick wins” my Coaching Power Hour is a must. You’ll receive actionable steps to help you move past your blocks, gain clarity, and gain the momentum to grow your business. Book your Power Hour here
If you’re not sure which option is best suited, then why not Book a Call, and let’s have a chat.
