| Have you ever concentrated on something so
hard that the world seems to recede into the background? Like when you see a blemish on
your chin and it begins to take on the dimensions of a quarter? Or when you are shuffling
through a business proposal that you must deliver that day to an un-supportive group of
peers?
Each, in their own right seem to gobble up every inch of
computing brain space as you mull over advantages, consequences, causes, and reactions of
others. Our level of anxiety over the mind numbing details might eventually increase to
such an extent that other areas of our life run out of control. It gets to the point where
nothing in business and in life is getting done. You are no longer productive!
When I allow myself to drift into single minded focus, my
husband will look at me with an incredulous expression on his face and announce "You
are just not seeing the big picture!"
You see, I was taught that the devil is in the details and
consequently the big picture will take care of itself if I address every single little
nuance – such as correcting a spelling error in a love letter sent to me by my
fiancé'. I think that was the first clue to my husband Rick that our marriage would take
on interesting elements.
When You Become So Focused On One Particular Thing
– You Miss Other Opportunities in Business and in Life
A classic caution in driving is to avoid highway hypnosis
where the driver's eyes are so locked onto the road ahead that they don't see what is
developing around them. This is a ripe condition for accidents to happen. Well, we are
doing the same thing when considering the changes we want to make in our personal life,
careers or businesses.
When we do strategic planning, all of the elements related
to our business need to be evaluated through a non judgmental process. Awareness of our
surroundings can actually help us prioritize and focus on "what is" and
"what needs to be" in our business decisions.
To achieve productive focus, try following the tips below
before you make any short or long -term decisions.
5 Ways to Look at the Big Picture and Improve Overall
Productivity While Reducing Stress and Anxiety...
1. Figure out what your present economic environment looks
like? Has there been a downturn or growth in your area of expertise? What have other
businesses like yours experienced and does that mirror what is happening to you? Once you
have an accurate depiction of how your business arena is developing, you can begin to
address areas to update, change or enhance.
2. Evaluate how your business is impacted by turnover? Is
your time taken up in orienting new hires or actively working to maintain key employees in
terms of running your business? Is your staff working at optimum levels and enjoying the
work they do? If you are a single entrepreneur, are your physical and mental resources
charged up and in good working condition? Often our personal energy overrides the physical
or mental exhaustion we may feel and you may not even be aware your engine is slowing
down. Take a personal inventory and do what you must in order to retain your vitality.
3. Take a solid look at your current financial situation.
What amount of funds or business do you need to survive through an economic downturn and
how much do you need in order to thrive? What resources do you have available to you to
shore up your financial portfolio? Once these questions are answered, it will give you the
foundation you need to establish business decisions.
4. Realistically evaluate your product or service offering
and determine if the marketplace still wants it. Even though you feel the public needs
what you have, a fickle public will purchase what it wants and may leave you behind.
Consider taking active steps to interview other entrepreneurs and professionals as well as
current and past clients for real-time information. Decisions made in a vacuum are never a
good thing.
5. Assess what steps you need to take to catch up to the
technology changes occurring in social networking, online meetings, and communication
tools. Even though technology continues to evolve daily, you can utilize resources that
meet your needs currently and through the next couple of years. Understand how your
customers and clients relate to you and act accordingly.
Perspective is a wonderful thing. We may not like what we
see (like an expanding waist line in the mirror.) But once we understand what is really
happening, we can then take the necessary steps to fix it or build upon the successes that
are already in place.
Focus on the big picture while enjoying the nuances of the
individual elements that make up the image and environment. You will improve your overall
productivity and at the same time reduce your stress and anxiety.
I think I hear my husband cheering. Sweet. |
