Recently, I was speaking to an associate of mine who also operates her business out of her home about how difficult it can be to “re-track” to work after an off-site networking event. We agreed that an external office has fewer distractions, and being surrounded by people who are in work mode (like you) or rely on you to help them do their job, makes re-tracking much easier.

It got me thinking about other instances where re-tracking can be even more difficult. For instance, following a long vacation you determine that your priority is to work on something you find difficult or is intimidating due to its size? Then to compound matters, you want perfection, which invites procrastination, and if not checked, can lead to a debilitating pace.

So how does one get back on-track to the important stuff, ignore the urgent (but unimportant), not get distracted by emails, personal phone calls & procrastination over the difficult projects?

1.       First determine the wildly important, and take simple steps to eliminate other distractions (turn off your email notification sound & hold all unimportant calls.)

2.       Find a way to begin.  If the most important thing you do right now is a big project that scares you, break it down. Decide to complete this one smaller item today –or- give it a time frame such as one to two hours, after which you will take a break to refresh yourself.

3.       Give yourself a specific incentive reward – reading break, quick phone call, cup of tea, whatever appeals to you. Pledge to stay within your time parameters & use a timer to keep you on track.

4.       Congratulate yourself on your progress achievement.  There are some very good reasons for this, such as:

Being disciplined and maintaining focus is not as hard as we think. Just remember progress begets progress, and success begets success. And find a way to begin.