Episode 236: 10 Hacks to Help You Focus Better as You Work Your Virtual Assistant Business

Full Episode Transcription:

[00:00:00] Do you struggle with staying focused as you’re working on becoming a virtual assistant? In this episode, I’m gonna be sharing 10 valuable hacks to help you stay focused and achieve your goals so you can quit your nine to five and work from home with your babies for good. So let’s just go ahead and jump right in.

[00:00:16] Hack number one is to create a dedicated workspace. Establishing a dedicated workspace is gonna be essential for your productivity. Designing a specific area in your home where you can work without distractions is so crucial. You wanna keep your workspace organized free from clutter and stocked with the necessary tools and resources that you need to perform your tasks efficiently. A dedicated workspace is gonna signal to your brain that it’s time to focus and work.

[00:00:46] Hack Number two is to set clear goals. You wanna define your goals for your virtual assistant business and then break them down into actionable steps. This is gonna give you a sense of purpose and direction, allowing you to stay focused on the tasks that truly matter. Write down your goals and make sure you refer to them regularly so you can stay motivated and on track. If you want more help on how to set your goals, make sure you check out episode 181 here on the Virtual Assistant Mama Podcast.

[00:01:19] Hack number three is to prioritize and plan. You wanna develop a daily or a weekly system that ensures you’re focusing on your high, high priority tasks. Plan your days in advance, identify the most critical tasks that need your immediate attention, and. By prioritizing and planning, you’re gonna have a clear roadmap for your work and be less likely to get distracted. I highly recommend utilizing a planner to help you prioritize your day in your tasks. That is the Horacio Planner, H O R A C I O. So if you just Google that, it’ll come up. It’s so amazing. It’s faith-based. It’s got so many other things just outside of, like, you know, your weekly calendar. It’s got Bible verses. It’s got things to help you each quarter of the year. It’s seriously amazing.

[00:02:14] All right, hack number four is to utilize time blocking. Time blocking is a really powerful technique that will help you improve your focus and manage your time effectively. You’re gonna have to set aside specific blocks of time for different types of tasks, such as client work, marketing, personal development, all those things during these dedicated time blocks, you want to make sure you are eliminating distractions and commit to just working solely on the task in front of you. Time blocking will help you maintain your focus and avoid getting overwhelmed by multitasking because spoiler alert, multitasking does not work. You’re wasting so much energy, just don’t do it. So if you need more help with time blocking episode 233 is your go-to.

[00:03:05] Hack number five is to implement what’s called the Pomodoro technique. Pomodoro technique is a time management method that involves working in short focused bursts, followed by short breaks. So what you need to do is set a timer for 25 minutes, and then work on a single task with complete focus during that time. After each pomodoro, after each 25 minutes, then you just take a short five minute break. Then every fourth Pomodoro takes a longer break of around 15 to 20 minutes. This technique will help prevent burnout, maintains your concentration and increase your productivity.

[00:03:46] Hack number six is to minimize distractions. You wanna identify and minimize any distractions in your work environment. Turn off notifications on your phone, your computer closes unnecessary tabs on your browser, and create boundaries to limit interruptions from family members during your focused work sessions. You can also consider using website blockers or productivity apps that will help you stay on track and avoid any mindless browsing.

[00:04:15] Hack number seven is to use productivity tools. So these productivity tools are going to streamline your work and help you stay more organized. You can use project management platforms like Trello or Asana, and they’ll help you track your tasks and allow you also to collaborate with clients in one. Space rather than checking your email and your phone and this and that, it’s all in one space. Also, time tracking apps like Toggl can monitor how you are allocating your time. So I recommend exploring different productivity tools and just find the ones that speak to you that work the best for you.

[00:04:55] Hack number eight is to take regular breaks. Breaks are really essential for maintaining focus and preventing burnout. So you wanna incorporate short breaks into your work schedule. Use these breaks to stretch, move your body, engage in activities that help you recharge. Stepping away from work for just a few minutes will refresh your mind and improve your productivity when you return.

[00:05:18] Hack number nine is to practice mindfulness and meditation. These are powerful practices that can enhance your focus and reduce your stress. So just by taking a few minutes each day to practice deep breathing or guided meditation is going to help you calm your mind, improve your ability to concentrate, and really cultivate a sense of clarity and presence in your work.

[00:05:42] All right. Last hack, hack number 10 is to foster a healthy work life balance. You need to make sure you’re scheduling time for self-care, for your hobbies, spending quality time with your family, not just always in muscle mode. Remember, a well-rested and fulfilled virtual assistant is a much more productive one. You need to make sure you strive for that balance that’s going to help you sustain your focus and motivation in the long run to hit your long-term goals.

[00:06:13] So I hope these 10 hacks have helped you figure out how to stay focused and achieve your goals as you build your virtual assistant business. If you’re still in the building phase and you’re trying to figure out what to do, or even if you haven’t even started and you don’t even know what first step to take, I really highly encourage you to come and sign up for the free workshop that’s happening in a little over one week on Thursday, September 28th at 6:00 PM. In this free workshop, I’m gonna be teaching the five Ps you need to know to become a successful and profitable virtual assistant so you can replace your income, get your nine to five, and be home with those babies. So go register for that at ariannavernier.com/free-workshop or find the link in the show notes.

[00:06:59] Remember y’all. Utilize these 10 hacks. They will help you create a predictive work environment, set clear goals, and implement effective time management techniques. All of these things are totally going to help you improve your focus and success. Go utilize them. Let me know which ones are working from you over in our free Facebook community. That’s at facebook.com/groups/virtualassistantmama, and as always, we will see you in the next episode.