3 Keys for Staying Focused and Accountable As a Solopreneur

Being a business owner is full of ups and down.

On one hand, you love the idea of being your own boss.

On the other hand, there is no one but you responsible for making sure you do what you need to do to create your success.

One of the biggest struggles with many business owners, especially if you work from a home office, is staying focused and holding yourself accountable.

As a solopreneur, you don’t have someone leading you. The only one making sure you get done what you need to get done is you.

It is so easy to procrastinate.

It is so easy to say to yourself “I’ll get to that tomorrow.” When you know you should be doing it today.

So, how do you stay accountable when you’re accountable only to yourself?

Here are some tips to help you stay focused and accountable as a solopreneur.

Create Your Plan:

• Set SMART”er Goals: SMART goals are – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. SMART’er goals include the emotional side to your goals by adding Satisfying, Meaningful, Accountable, Rewards, and Transformation. When defining your goals, make sure they are clear and actionable and include the emotional components which will help keep you on track.
• Schedule Your Time: Treat your workday like you would a job with set hours. Set a timer to 40 minutes max for focused work. At the end of the 40 minutes, take a 5-minute break by getting up and walking away from your desk for that time. Breaking up your time will help keep you focused and more productive. Set time boundaries around your tasks and stick to them.
• Batch Similar Tasks: Group similar tasks together. This will stop you from bouncing back and forth from one thing to the next which leads to burnout. Grouping similar tasks together helps you stay focused and get more done.

Become Your Own Cheerleader (and Coach):

• Track Your Wins (Big and Small): Your brain loves recognition. It is a powerful motivator. Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small. Did you finally finish that blog? Did you connect with 5 new prospects? Give yourself a high five! Pat yourself on the back. Well done!

• Schedule Regular Reviews: Set aside time each week or month to review your progress. Did you achieve your goals? What challenges did you face? This is an opportunity to check in with yourself and make sure you are still on track.
• Reward yourself: You deserve it. Fun fact: Your brain has a “reward circuit” When you tell your brain there is a reward at the end, your mind becomes more focused because it wants the reward. Once it gets it, it wants more.

Build Your Support System:

• Find an Accountability Partner: This could be another solopreneur, a friend, or colleague. Share your goals and hold each other accountable for progress.
• Hire a Business Coach: Every coach needs a coach. A coach/consultant provides guidance, support, and a fresh perspective to help you stay on track and scale your business.
• Join Groups: Surround yourself with others who understand the unique challenges of running your own business. You are not alone. There are many who are in the same position you are. Connect with these groups and share tips and tricks, ask for help when you need it, help others move forward by sharing your journey.

There will be days when you falter – we all do! The key is to pick yourself up, shake it off, and get back into the game.

Remember WHY you went into business in the first place.

You’ve got this!

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