It’s hard to keep focused and motivated on the task at hand if you work on your own.
In an office, you get people around you (or virtually now), a line manager to be accountable to and an environment that breeds productivity – if the culture is set up right.
For solo entrepreneurs, accountability can be really important, and I have found an amazing tool called Focusmate that helps take action.
It couldn’t be simpler to use to get your shit done. In fact, I am using it right now to write this.
- You pick a date and time from the calendar, and get automatically linked with another person – anywhere in the world
- After a brief chat about your task in hand, you both get to work for 50 minutes
- You both have your cameras and mics on (if you like). I usually listen to music (no lyrics) so I have my mic turned off
- Debrief at the end on your session goals and how productive you were.
- Rinse and repeat
My current Focusmate partner said she usually uses it to work on her PHD, but today is cleaning her bathroom cabinet and the floors in this session. The other day, my partner was doing yoga.
You can use Focusmate to create a new a habit, or just get that thing done that you have been putting off. I have been using it for writing, my website pages, blog posts, researching content strategy, reading, doing a course and planning.
It’s entirely brilliant. I have never felt so focused before. I put it down to having someone there, next to you (usually) doing something they need to do – and it makes you do your task too. You get that similar office feel, working with someone else, but on different things.
When you sign up, you get three free sessions a week, then it’s a bargain $5 a month for unlimited sessions, which you will do as soon you sign up. It’s a no-brainer.
Let me know if you’re interested in doing a 50-minute session sometime!
