Distraction-Proof® Advisor Ideas

AdviserBlast – Quick Tips to Accelerate Your Practice
In this issue: Steps to take now to ease the pressure you're under

Here are a few tips you can implement right now to help you stay calm and collected during this hectic time.

Question: Right now I’m swamped! I’m overwhelmed with the sheer volume of demands on my time each day. There is so much to do! Do you have any tips to help me remain focused, stay energetic and make some progress on all the things I need to get done?

Answer: It is a busy time in the industry, and many are finding their “to do” lists overwhelming! Here are a few ideas my clients are finding very profitable.

1. Having a “to-do” list does not equal managing your time effectively. Time–block your schedule so that you can rest secure knowing all those important things you need to do have their allocated time and will get achieved. See my newsletter about time-blocking for more information.
    
2. Monitor your incoming phone calls so they don’t dictate how you’re going to spend your time. Program in one or two blocks of time each day to return calls so you can relax knowing you’ll get the calls done. Plus, you will be able to best focus on your clients and their specific needs when you call them back, rather than being distracted by thinking about what you were doing when the phone rang.
    
3. Take a planned 20 minute walk outside. This is not an irresponsible waste of time, but necessary to keep focused, especially during emotionally-charged, roller-coaster days like we’re experiencing. Get some oxygen and some sun to decompress for a few minutes so you can go back to your work with a fresh approach.
    
4. Finish the work day by setting up for tomorrow: de-clutter your workspace and write down the first three activities you’re going to do tomorrow before you turn on your email…and then stick to them! Your next day is set up and you can mentally leave work at the office.
    
5. Exercise 3 times per week – Really! We often dismiss taking care of ourselves physically when we get busy and stressed – when it is more important than ever. Do make an effort to eat healthily, keep up your water intake, and exercise 3 times a week. (Picking clients up off the floor after they’ve opened their quarterly statements only counts for half a point!)
    
6. Get quality rest. Read something relaxing or funny before you go to sleep. (Personally, I like Dilbert. I hope you don't work for a pointy-haired boss!) Resist the urge to read market commentary materials! Your job is not your life.

Right now your clients need peace of mind, and you have to have it before you can give it. So, take a deep breath, implement these steps, and put yourself in the best position to help your clients, your family, and yourself.

Remember to breathe!
Paul

Copyright Paul Kingsman 2009
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Paul Kingsman provides financial services professionals practical tools to achieve consistent, outstanding results. As a motivational speaker and executive coach, he is a sought after expert on how to make your split seconds count. Having won an Olympic medal by only four one-hundredths of a second, Paul knows the importance of keeping focused and now teaches people how to overcome distractions and achieve their own success. His experience as an adviser for Morgan Stanley and Wells Fargo has given him an insider’s understanding of the unique business challenges faced by financial services professionals and an ability to guide his clients in implementing results oriented solutions.

To find out more about how he can help equip you or your team to achieve your own Split Second Success® through his presentations or executive coaching, email him at Paul@PaulKingsman.com

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