Discover how these well-known women stay focused in a chaotic world.
Choose analogue over high-tech
Former Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg and founder of LeanIn.Org is well-known in the business world for bringing an old-fashioned spiral notebook to meetings, an unlikely choice for someone in the tech field. For Sandberg, analogue notetaking is a way to keep things simple and maintain focus. She physically crosses items off the list and then rips out the pages when action items are complete.
Block the distractions
Each day Jennifer Hyman, co-founder and CEO of Rent the Runway, dedicates time to one or two problems that are important to address strategically. She creates the necessary time by periodically cutting off access to email, texts and social media notifications that threaten to divert her attention. According to Hyman, it makes no sense to spend your day managing to inbox zero.
Let others bridge the gap
Accepting you can be wildly successful and talented but not at everything is a true skill. Renowned businesswoman Karren Brady says hiring people better than you is the key to success and showing your strength as a leader – letting go of any insecurities you have in order to employ the best. Not to mention it frees up some of your valuable time!
Embrace the quiet
When your day gets crazy and your thoughts are cluttered, consider taking a break to clear your head. Oprah Winfrey spends 20 minutes each day sitting in absolute stillness. Not only is it the perfect formula for clearing her mind, but it also helps her focus on current jobs and outstanding projects.
Be curious
CEO of U.K.-based pharmaceutical company GSK, Emma Walmsley, came from a family that had the opposite of a business background. Her mother was a stay-at-home mum, and her dad was in the forces. However, being extremely curious and hungry to learn, led her to where she is today. She explains that having clear objectives and understanding the ‘why’ as opposed to ‘what’ is key.
Make a time trade-off
When it comes to work-life balance, it’s a false trade-off to say quality time versus quantity, according to Hillary Clinton, former US Secretary of State. You have to have both. If you work long hours like she did – and you want to carve out time for family – the only solution is to get rid of things in your life that you don’t need. Save them for later when your time is your own.
Next steps
When you’re ready to tackle your next big goal:
– Tweak the advice of successful people to make it your own
– Take time to shift your attitude if needed
– Develop creative strategies tailored to you
– Re-evaluate your options
Sources: goalcast.com; fatiguescience.com; forbes.com; www.iod.com; businessinsider.com; thejobnetwork.com; parade.com; thebusinesswomanmedia.com; concertomarketplace.com; LinkedIn.com; blog.cake.hr. fortune.com
