10 ways to Kill Distractions and Amp Up Your Productivity

How to Kill Distractions and Amp Up Your Productivity

I can’t imagine living in a more distracting time in human history. Hundreds of cable channels, millions of Web sites, and the constant pinging of email and social media all compete for our attention. But if you are like me, you still have to get real work done.

A few weeks ago, I had to prepare for a board meeting. I really needed an extended period of time to review the material and prepare my presentation. In doing this, I realized that I go through a similar pattern whenever I need to increase my mental focus and get a lot of work done in a short period of time.

Here are ten tactics I use that may help you:

1. Block Off Time on Your Calendar

I schedule time on my calendar for special projects. If someone asks if I am available, I reply, “I’m sorry, but I have another commitment at that time.”

2. Isolate Yourself in a Quiet Place

I try to eliminate all the distractions I can. While I generally practice an “open door policy,” I close my door when I have something important to get done. I even hang a sign on my door that signals to my family and co-workers that I am in project mode.

3. Turn the Room Temperature Down

If the room gets too warm, I get sleepy and lose my edge. As a result, I intentionally turn the thermostat down to 69°. After years of testing, I have noticed that this is the temperature at which I am the most productive.

4. Get Comfortable

When I need to get a lot done, I dress comfortably. For me that usually means jeans and a loose shirt. Even in the office, I kick off my shoes. I don’t want anything constricting my blood flow or distracting me.

5. Take Email and Social Media Software Offline

When you are constantly checking email and social media, you can fool yourself into thinking you are working. Therefore, I take my email software offline. I also put my phone in Do Not Disturb mode. I do leave my web browser open, because I have to use it for research..

6. Put on Music That Helps Facilitate Concentration

Certain music really helps me concentrate.  Listening to soothing music can be a powerful ritual. It got me into the writing zone quickly and made me more productive. 

7. Drink Caffeine in Moderation

Various studies have shown that caffeine can have a positive effect on your mental focus, provided you consume it in moderation. In addition to caffeine, “the neuroactive amino acids … help increase your mental focus and alertness by supporting your brain’s ability to receive and send messages to and from the nervous system.”

8. Avoid High Glycemic Carbohydrates

Nothing makes me sleepy faster than foods containing white flour and sugar. Breads are the absolutely the worst. Low glycemic carbs—darker vegetables, for example—are fine, because the sugars are released slowly. But high glycemic ones spike my blood sugar, and then I get sleepy.

9. Set Mini-Goals

I try to focus on one project until I am done. If it’s a big project, I break it into smaller goals. This usually means something I can finish in good time. I personally get a rush from accomplishing a task and checking it off my to-do list.

10. Set a Timer and Take Predetermined Breaks

I am competitive by nature. If I set a timer on my iPhone and determine in advance how much time I will spend on a task. I will work hard to beat the clock. Not everyone is like this, but it works great for me.

In a world of distraction and competing demands, mental focus is a scarce commodity. If you want more of it, you will have to be intentional about getting it.

30 Small Business Ideas (for When You Don’t Know What Business to Start)

By: Anthony Ovienloba

Maybe you’re ready for a career change.

Maybe you’re still unsure what career to pursue in the first place.

Maybe all you really know is that you want to run your own business, but are fresh out of small business ideas.

That’s okay—the best business ideas don’t happen overnight. You might need to brainstorm a little.

Maybe you’re ready for a career change.

Maybe you’re still unsure what career to pursue in the first place.

Maybe all you really know is that you want to run your own business, but are fresh out of small business ideas.

That’s okay—the best business ideas don’t happen overnight. You might need to brainstorm a little.

While looking at the booming industries year by year can be tempting, it’s also a good idea to look to your strengths. What is your skill set? What are you great at? This can be an excellent jumping-off point for coming up with the best business ideas.

If you’re Mr. or Ms. Fix-It:

Does your ideal career involve getting your hands dirty—or, at the very least, working with your hands, as opposed to sitting in an office?

There are, of course, a million possibilities here; however, I’ve researched a few to get you started.

Start a plumbing, electric, or “handyman” type business

If you’re a fan of tinkering and solving a problem, starting a plumbing, electrician, or general handyperson type business might be a good fit for you.

While it’s not as simple as, hey, go start plumbing, if you’re looking for a hands-on career, you might want to consider seeking out a vocational degree in one of these fields and building a business around it. I’ve also linked our free sample plans below, including one specific to starting a plumbing business.

Start a construction business

Similarly, a construction business could be a great fit for someone who enjoys hands-on work.

While you’ll probably need to complete either an apprenticeship or a trade program to get started, if you’re already an amateur or have worked construction in the past

(or simply have interest in seeking the education), this might be a great fit. Start a mechanic business

Do you love working on cars? Would you like to do it for a living?

Like most other suggestions on this list, trade skills need—you guessed it—a trade or vocational degree before you get started.

However, don’t write off your interest as merely a hobby; it could make a great small business idea.

For more information:

• Your local community college is a great place to start when it comes to vocational training
• Searching trade schools in your area is another way to get started
• How a Self-Employed Handyman Earns $3,000 a Week
• How to Start a Small Construction or General Contracting Business
• Auto Repair Shop Business Plan
• Construction and Engineering Sample Business Plans
• Construction Sample Business Plan
• Plumbing Sample Business Plan

Start a sewing and alterations business

If you enjoy sewing, you might like a business specializing in altering or repairing garments.

While you don’t need a specific degree or training, you’ll need a certain level of skill to get started with this one. However, if you’re already a great sewer, an alteration business could be a great fit.

For more information:

• Check out your local community college for sewing classes; your local community center may offer classes as well
• Love to Sew? Start a Side Business Offering Clothing Alterations
• The B

If you’re a whiz with numbers:

Start an accounting business

Do you enjoy bookkeeping, preparing taxes, and generally managing money? Consider starting an accounting business. However, unlike many suggestions on this list, becoming an accountant and opening your own firm will require the right education—generally, you’ll need a bachelor’s degree, and you’ll also likely need to be licensed as a CPA.

Start a financial planning business

Like starting an accounting business, you’ll want to look into the requirements for starting a financial planning business. However, if you have a background in finance, or would like to pursue the schooling, starting a financial planning business might be the right small business idea for you.

If you’re great at motivating people:

Start a personal training business

If you’re into some aspect of fitness, a personal training business could be a great small business idea. From general fitness coaching to becoming an instructor (think Zumba or Pilates)—if you’re more motivational than Chris Traeger from Parks and Rec, a personal training business might be a successful route for you. After all, the best business ideas for you will be the ones that play to your strengths. 

Bear in mind that like many options on this list, you’ll need certification. NASM, ACE, and ACSM are a few of the most common and well-respected certifications, but the path you choose will depend on your specific focus

Start a life coaching business

Did you successfully navigate a difficult situation against all odds, and come out stronger on the other side? Do you see the best in people, and want to help them reach their full potential? If so, you could consider building a small business around life coaching.

If you’re a strong writer:

Start your own freelance writing business

Sites like Elance and Upwork are great places to get started freelance writing, and you can easily build a small business around your skills as a freelance writer, or potentially expand to include other writers (or graphic designers, web designers, and so on) down the road.

Another great thing about starting a freelance writing small business? You can tailor it to your strengths. Whether you’re interested in copywriting, technical writing, or writing for trade publications, writers are always in demand.

Start an editing and proofreading business

Similarly, editing and proofreading services are always needed, and would make a great small business idea. You can begin by taking on freelance work, and go from there (and surprise—you’re already a sole proprietor!).

Start a resume writing and help business

If you have an eye for detail (read: don’t let mistakes go unnoticed!) your skills might be put to good use helping job-seekers perfect their resumes

If you have a green thumb:

Start a garden center

If you love gardening, but would rather share your expertise than physically help others with their personal gardens, starting a garden center might be the right small business idea for you. You can advise and educate other enthusiasts on what it takes to make their gardens beautiful.

Start a landscaping business

If, on the other hand, you do love the idea of working hands-on, you might consider a landscaping or lawn care business. While you’ll certainly need the skill set to get started, some lawn care services are ultra-basic to start (think mowing) and you can learn and add on more services over time.

If you love to be creative:

Start a photography business

If you’ve got a great eye and are always the one who documents special moments, you might want to consider making a career out of your photography passion.

While the competition is pretty stiff, specializing in a specific area, such as pet photography, weddings, or portraits can help set you apart.

If you are detail-oriented:

Start a car-detailing business

Taking the idea of “detail-oriented” in the most literal sense, a car detailing business could be a small business idea that is not only lucrative, but that plays to your strengths.

Start a house cleaning business

If you’re naturally tidy and enjoy keeping places clean, consider starting a house cleaning business. It’s fairly easy to start, requires no training or certification, and if you’re detail-oriented, it could really play to your strengths.

If you excel at making people feel relaxed and beautiful:

Start a massage therapy business

While it does take licensing to become a massage therapist, starting a massage therapy business can be a great career for someone who enjoys working with people, and making them feel relaxed and peaceful, or helping them manage pain or injury.

Start a beauty salon or spa

Like a massage therapist, you will need a license to be a hairstylist, esthetician, or nail technician. However, if the training sounds enjoyable, consider looking into starting a salon or spa business.

If you enjoy helping people:

Start a nonprofit

There are endless ways that you can help others by starting a nonprofit business. What problem are you passionate about fixing? Starting a nonprofit business can be a rewarding life path, as it can enable you to both make money and make a difference.

Start a tutoring business

If you know multiple languages, excelled at a certain subject in school, or are good at explaining concepts in a way that is easy to understand, consider starting a tutoring business. You can specialize in a particular area, depending on your skill set, such as paper writing, languages, math, or test preparation—the list goes on.

Start a business teaching your skill set

So, you love to teach—but the idea of rehashing high school chemistry doesn’t really do it for you? Consider starting a business based on teaching what you do love.

Maybe you’re a skilled potter, or a trained dancer? Love to practice yoga, and are interested in becoming an instructor? Whatever your skill, there are likely people who’d love a teacher.

If you are a born problem-solver:

Build a much-needed app

Do you have the solution to a common problem or pain point that you feel is experienced by many? Consider building an app—it’s easier than you’d think.

Start a consulting firm

Similar to teaching a class based on your skills, you may want to evaluate what you currently excel at, and see if it would make a good consulting business.

Consulting firms exist covering a huge variety of topics, from business, to IT, to public relations, and more. Live and breathe social media? Start a social media consulting business, helping businesses leverage their social presence. You get the idea.

If you are impossibly organized:

Start an event planning business

If you get excited over a well-planned itinerary (hey, no judgement—I’m right there with you), you might want to look into starting an event planning business.

From weddings to parties to corporate events, if you can rise above the competition (which is admittedly very present), event planning is an ideal small business idea for the über-organized.

Start a personal assistant business

Similarly, if you are great at keeping on task and getting things done efficiently and in an organized manner, starting a personal assistant business might be a good fit for you.

If you enjoy off-hours, early mornings, or late nights:

Start a bar, brewery, or a nightclub

If you’re the consummate night owl who enjoys interacting with people, starting a bar or a club might be a great fit for your personality.

No matter where you live, your area is likely full of bars to begin with—so make sure you do your market research. What is your community missing? What kind of place would you personally want to hang out in?

Start a cafe, bakery, or a coffee shop

On the flip side, do you dream of a job that would leave your evenings free—and love a good cup of coffee and a pastry? Consider starting a coffee shop, a cafe, or a bakery.

Open a restaurant

While the idea that 90 percent of restaurants fail within the first year may be a myth, there’s no doubt that the restaurant industry is a difficult one to be successful in.

However, if you value a career that is exciting, holds non-standard hours, and lets you fill a need in your community, opening a restaurant might be right for you—just be prepared to work hard to stand out.

If you love caring for others (including four-legged friends):

Start a daycare center

If you’re good with children, you’re in luck—childcare is always a needed service.

You also have plenty of options; you could go the full-time nanny route, establish a childcare service out of your home, or rent commercial space, depending on your goals. 

Start a doggy daycare, boarding, or pet grooming business

Do you love animals? Was dog walking your preferred job when you were in high school? Parlay this into a career by starting a pet boarding service, a daytime doggy daycare, or a pet grooming service.

Start a senior citizen assistance business

Do you have a passion for helping the elderly have a better quality of life? If so, you could start a small business focused on assisting senior citizens.

Whether that be running errands, taking members to social functions, or helping them around the house, there are plenty of options, and starting a business helping others can be deeply rewarding.