Distraction-Proof® Advisor Ideas

In this business, we never lack for things to do. How do you make the most of your time?

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When I describe my regular swimming training day for my Olympic medal, people are often surprised at the intensity and the seeming grind of what I went through. My training day was very straightforward: I was up at 5:30 in the morning. I would swim from 6:00 to 8:00, come home, eat breakfast, and go to bed. Back up by 9:30, to the gym by 10:00. I would lift weights from 10:00 to 12:00. Home. Lunch. Bed. I’d be up by 1:30, to the pool by 2:00. Stretch, a thousand sit-ups, stretch again, in the water by 3:00. Swim from 3:00 to 5:00, sometimes 5:30. Home. Dinner. Bed.

When I ask people what stood out about that, sometimes people say, “That sounds like a crazy day!” Or sometimes they say, “I can’t believe you slept that much!” It was hard work, but what I’m looking for is the understanding that it was a time-blocked day: there was a specific time for a specific activity.

When I talk with advisors who are struggling to get everything done that they know they need to get through, it comes back to them not scheduling their day effectively. They are becoming overwhelmed very quickly because they don’t have things set down clearly and know the steps necessary for what needs to happen next.

Tim Halverson wrote a great article – he’s from Russell Investments – and he wrote a great article using GRIND as an acronym, with the G standing for, “Get up every day, and put in the work.” That’s exactly what you need to do if you’re a financial advisor who really wants to succeed.

So,

1. Download the blank time-block sheet I’ve provided for you. Think about those items and aspects and activities of your business you need to do most. You can also click on the link to read Tim’s article.
2. Take the time to schedule in those activities where you know you need to place them in that week. That activity is the only activity you focus on doing during that time. If you know you’re a morning person and up a little bit more in the morning, you need to schedule your client meetings for then. If you’re more of a people person at the end of the day, schedule your meetings for then, recognizing that the following morning you’re going to be putting notes into your CRM system.
3. Don’t get impatient with implementing everything and trying to master everything the first week. This is going to take time. But importantly, follow what you’ve scheduled. Don’t tell yourself this is important and then put it down to just ignore it. You’re going to be frustrated and give up.

Commit to a time-blocked structure. Put in what you know you need to get done and then enjoy focusing on that one – and only one – activity and completing it thoroughly.

I look forward to bringing you another Distraction-Proof Advisor Idea next week.