One of the things that a solopreneur wants the most is to become more productive. While there are countless tips on productivity, perhaps the strategy that we often miss is clearing mental clutter.
Mental clutter is ANYTHING that keeps you from thinking straight. It’s a thought that’s nagging. It never leaves you alone. The reason for mental clutter? Overstimulation. At work, you’re not just answering emails, but also checking social media. While driving your kid to school, you’re trying to brainstorm topics to publish on your blog!
All these distractions prevent you from living your best life as a solopreneur. Today, let’s explore simple ways to free up mental space, truly connect with a task in your business, and maximize whatever you’re doing.
6 Ways to Clear Your Headspace
1. Set priorities before the day starts.
Before you get to work each morning, take a piece of paper and write down the things that need to get done in order of their importance. In my experience, I prioritize activities that require a lot of focus. Early during the day, I avoid menial tasks and rather save them for later.
2. Don’t go to work feeling hungry.
Your body and mind are not two separate things. How your body feels, your mind reacts to it. When you’re hungry, it means that your blood glucose levels have dipped. In minutes, you’ll feel fatigued because your body craves for energy.
3. Some thoughts are negative, but you have a choice to not listen.
Our brains produce tens of thousands of thoughts each day. Some of those thoughts are positive, and the rest are negative. Positive thoughts are useful and negative thoughts aren’t. The key is to catch the first thought of negativity and tell yourself, “I disown this thought because it does me no good.” That’s it!
4. Limit the amount of information you consume.
Information from social media, television, and the internet, can clog up your brain when consumed at once. Resist the temptation to tune into all sorts of information throughout the day. You want to be more selective in what to take in. Decide what is relevant and beneficial. Ignore the rest.
5. Get active!
Exercising on the treadmill or doing any type of workout doesn’t only make you healthier, but it also sharpens your focus. Your focus increases for 3 hours, and you’re able to get that important work done. Exercise helps with impulse control, which means that your prioritization skills enhances.
6. Understand your WHY.
Solopreneurs do a lot of things in life – that’s for sure. But do you take the time to sit down and consider why you do everything you do? Connecting with your “why” helps you become aware of the things that work. It is your reference point for all your decisions and actions in business.
