We sat in the southern courtyard of Oheka Castle, the 127-room chateau-style estate along New York’s affluent North Shore. As the other guests at the Shopify Build-A-Business VI dinner made their way back inside, I saw Mr. Productivity himself sitting a few chairs down: Tim Ferriss.
But there was a bigger question I had in mind. Turns out, it was the same one other Shopify contest winners wanted answered: How do entrepreneurs avoid burnout? Here are a few insights Ferris shared.
1. Identify your most important metric and scale it weekly.
There’s no shortage of data out there. Tools can help e-commerce entrepreneurs track everything from customer demographics to churn rate. So data isn’t the problem. It’s the sheer amount of data that eventually becomes stifling. There’s no way for one person to sift through it all.
Let’s use me as an example. My biggest metrics are shopping-cart conversion, shopping-cart size and shopping-cart abandonment rate. Now, let’s say I have no trouble getting users to my site or to checkout, but they always end up buying the cheapest item. My metric would be increasing shopping-cart size, so I’d track cart size week over week.
Again, the key here is to nail down just one metric. It should be whichever one is most important to your business at the moment. Then, focus on moving it forward week over week. Ferriss says the biggest risk for startups is not failing to execute — it’s executing too many (often unimportant) tasks at once.
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2. Define the 80/20 rule in your inputs and desired outputs.
The goal of this exercise is twofold: to help you identify inefficienciesand strengths. Taking inventory of both allows you to eliminate the former while multiplying focus on the latter. You need to identify which activities will achieve the highest ROI for the least effort and then zero in on only those tasks. Once you do, you’ll alleviate burnout and get on the road toward sustainable, long-term growth.
If you’re still overwhelmed, focus on the negatives first — i.e., inefficiencies and psychic anchors holding you back. Oftentimes, getting rid of these alone will do the trick.
And now for my personal favorite. Let’s see if you can guess why.
3. Book a 4-week (or longer) vacation in the next 12 months.
Why four weeks or more versus the conventional two? It forces you to remove yourself as a bottleneck. Two weeks is just short enough for you to come back and try to put out fires. Four weeks forces you to develop systems, rules and policies that enable your business to run without you. The other side effect? You position yourself for a future windfall by making your business sellable.
But you can’t just go anywhere. Make sure the location isn’t associated with business or work. Ferriss suggests you get outside your normal routine and working environment. In fact, he recommends Japan.
It’s an opportunity to be in a completely alien environment without sacrificing safety. Social conventions are different. Western influence is absent. For most English speakers, Japanese language and handwriting are virtually unintelligible. Plus, there’s so much to explore. This shock to your system will give you a new perspective on everything — especially your business.
Book everything in advance and, ideally, with other people so it’s harder to cancel.
Entrepreneur.com | October 24, 2016 | Brian Roberts
https://www.firstsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/logo-min-300x123.jpg00First Sun Teamhttps://www.firstsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/logo-min-300x123.jpgFirst Sun Team2016-10-24 16:14:432020-09-30 20:50:22#Leadership : 3 Lessons From Tim Ferriss About Avoiding Burnout…A Chance Encounter with the Productivity Guru yields Three Priceless Insights.
When you first moved your things into your office, you couldn’t wait to put your talents to use and impress your new colleagues with your dedication and drive. But at some point, that passion to succeed did a slow fade. Instead of killing it on projects, you found yourself going through the motions, bored and uninspired.
You’re not the only one who spends the workday feeling this way. A 2014 Gallup report determined that 51% of employees were “not engaged” at the office—in other words, they don’t feel invested in their work, and they’re not getting anything meaningful out of it. Another 17.5% of employees described themselves as “actively disengaged.”
“It’s normal to have times when work just doesn’t seem fun anymore,” says Beverly E. Jones, an executive consultant and author of Think Like an Entrepreneur, Act Like a CEO. “But there’s a lot you can do to become more engaged.”
Before you decide it’s time to jump ship, hang tight—there are less drastic ways to rekindle your excitement. These seven tactics can help you discover the joy in your job and make your nine-to-five meaningful again.
1. REBOOT YOUR DAILY DUTIES
It sounds counterintuitive: If you’re not enthusiastic about your job, why would piling more work onto your plate crank your motivation?
That’s the genius behind a concept called job crafting: taking on new and different responsibilities to expand the boundaries of your job. It’s a new term for something career experts have long advised. Tackling fresh challenges stretches your comfort zone and forces you to learn to grow. That kick-starts your drive and makes your work more interesting, says Kerry Hannon, career and finance expert and author of Love Your Job.
While it’s great to volunteer for projects you hear about in meetings, you’ll get more out of it by coming up with something that’s your own and presenting it to your manager. Since it’s your idea, you’ll be more invested in it, says Hannon. Plus, taking initiative shows that you’re thinking bold, and that can improve your professional rep and help you move higher up in the company.
To brainstorm boundary-pushing ideas, Hannon recommends reading trade websites and setting up Google alerts, which will notify you of the latest news in your industry. “Being in the know can inspire you to think of projects you might be able to nominate yourself for—or start on your own,” she says.
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2. BUILD MOOD-BOOSTING MOVEMENT INTO YOUR WORK SCHEDULE
Hunched over a screen or sitting in a conference room most of the day means that energizing oxygen doesn’t circulate through your body. What registers to you as disinterest in and unhappiness with your work might actually be signs that your body craves activity, like a post-lunch walk.
Science backs up the benefits of a midday reboot: A 2015 study found that a 30-minute lunchtime stroll three times a week for 10 weeks boosts enthusiasm, increases relaxation, and tames on-the-job tension. Additional researchshows that walking during the workday ignites creativity and the flow of ideas.
Can’t get away for a half hour? Ask your manager or team members if you can schedule a walking meeting, suggests Jones. Even a 10-minute stretch session in an empty conference room can make you feel alert again.
Keep your energy cranked by resisting coffee refills (caffeine can make it hard to sleep later) and vending machine trips, as sugar typically causes blood sugar levels to spike—then plunge. Instead, fuel up with foods that contain lean protein and complex carbs. Office-friendly sources include yogurt, nuts, peanut butter packets, hummus, air-popped popcorn, and of course, fruits and veggies.
It’s common for workers to think about employee benefits strictly in terms of health coverage and vacation days, says Sarah Flaherty, LearnVest HR business partner, but that would be a mistake. Benefits are key pieces of your compensation, and you should make sure you are maximizing what you get out of them. “Your employment package often goes well beyond base salary,” says Flaherty.
Some perks offered these days include different types of insurance, gym subsidies, cut-rate tickets for shows and travel, profit sharing, and a 401(k) match program.
“There are often little-known benefits that employees may not be familiar with, such as programs that provide confidential professional counseling services or tuition reimbursement,” says Flaherty. “Another example that I’ve seen is an extension of health care benefits such as covering the cost of IVF or an adoption assistance program that covers the costs associated with adoption—such as agency or legal fees.”
Taking advantage of these benefits can help you see your job in a different light—instead of a gig that’s become a bit uninspiring and routine, your nine-to-five life actually opens up opportunities for you that help you and your family grow and stretch your boundaries, not to mention save money.
Feeling more fulfilled during your workday again may simply be a matter of investigating all the benefits you have access to. “Employees should be sure to pay attention to communications about benefits all year round—not just during benefits season. It is also helpful to leverage the benefits expert in their company if they have any questions about what is being offered,” suggests Flaherty.
It’s hard to resist listening in on a gripe session about higher-ups or swapping war stories concerning difficult clients. Gossip helps bond you to your coworkers, and it feels pretty harmless (when it’s not about you, of course).
But there’s a downside. Too much gossip can be negative and toxic, sapping your emotional energy and lowering morale without you realizing it. If you’re already feeling blah about work, hearing about backstabbing coworkers or company infractions “makes you feel worse,” says Jones. Research also showsthat badmouthing can leave employees more cynical about their jobs, which further sinks your happiness and sense of fulfillment.
Though it can be hard to resist, try to keep the negativity to a minimum. You’re not powerless against the office gossip machine: One recent study demonstrates that you can neutralize it by changing the subject or by preemptively making positive comments.
For example, if a coworker starts bashing another staffer, interrupt her by voicing a positive comment about him, or change the subject entirely by asking about her weekend plans.
5. REFRESH YOUR DESK
You might boast to colleagues that you know exactly where everything is on your desk despite the fact that it’s covered in piles of paper. While a little clutter can actually boost your performance by helping your brain zero in on what needs to get done, that mess can also be a motivation suck. A Princeton University study shows that excessive clutter competes for your attention, which makes you more distracted and less productive. The more visuals your brain has to sort through, the more overwhelmed and fatigued you become.
While you don’t need a totally pristine desk, the fact is, reducing most of the loose papers, folders, and objects in your visual field keeps you more organized and focused, which helps you do better at your job and feel more in control. “When you get rid of old papers or emails that are hanging around, it’s very liberating,” notes Jones. Clearing clutter from your workspace also clears it from your brain, and that can clarify your goals and motivate you to dive back into your work and accomplish more.
Sometimes it’s not the job itself that’s the problem but the people you spend your workday with: the complainers, the scarily ambitious, the petty-minded staffers who make a big deal out of things that don’t matter. Navigate too many difficult personalities day after day, and no wonder you’re unhappy.
If a colleague is genuinely causing you grief on a regular basis, Hannon recommends inviting her for a one-on-one talk. “You’ll need some backbone here, but be positive and do your best to be polite,” she says. “Calmly explain that it’s not okay to treat you this way or act the way he or she does. It’s possible the person is unaware that what he or she is doing is upsetting you, and will apologize and back off.”
If that doesn’t work, or if the person making your work life miserable is a higher-up, talk to your manager or human resources about the situation. Be careful about asking if you can be reassigned. “It’s not always easy for your manager to rearrange work assignments,” says Jones, and inadvertently, you might be branded difficult yourself. “Unless there’s a crisis, I’d start by asking your manager for guidance about how to work more effectively with that person,” she adds. “Then, as a next step, ask if it is possible to modify your assignments so that you work with them less frequently.”
Above all, Hannon suggests framing the situation as something solvable. “Describe what’s been happening in detail, and explain how the situation is taking a toll on your ability to do your work,” she says. “Focus on the potential solution rather than dwelling on the problem.”
Maybe your work lends much-needed help to others. Perhaps the money you earn allows you to afford a nicer life for your family. Or your job taps into skills you’ve worked hard to develop, and you feel proud when you are asked to use them. Whatever it is, even the worst job can offer benefits that fill you with real purpose and meaning. Keeping this in mind will lift your spirits, making you more invested.
It’s not as hokey as it sounds. Research shows that people who feel that their work is meaningful are happier than those who have a high income. If you truly can’t think of something uplifting you get from your gig, take it upon yourself to create that meaning—say, by starting a mentoring program, making yourself available to younger employees who are just finding their footing, or organizing an office blood drive.
“It’s easy to lose track of what the point is or how you’re contributing or helping people, but if you’re actually providing a service or doing some good, that’s a contribution,” says Jones. “Focus on the meaning, on the contribution.”
https://www.firstsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/free-woman-worried.jpg32004800First Sun Teamhttps://www.firstsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/logo-min-300x123.jpgFirst Sun Team2016-09-19 11:54:592020-09-30 20:50:42Your #Career : 7 Science-Backed Steps To Take Before Quitting A Job That’s Burning You Out…Here’s the Latest Research on the Small Tweaks you can Make to Fall Back in Love with a Job that’s Getting the Better of You.
This says a lot about the current state of the American workplace – and a lot about how Americans view the economy. On one hand, it’s a drag that so many people are unhappy. On the other, it’s a good sign that people are confident enough to test the waters of the job market.
The age-old question, of course, is how to mount an effective strategy to find a new, better, more satisfying job.
Job-search and career guidance site CareerCast has just issued a report to help everyone out. We all know that we should be taking certain measures to increase our chances of securing an interview – tailoring our resumes and cover letters, for example – but there are numerous other small, worthwhile steps to take to give yourself an edge over the competition. Employers are looking for quality candidates, and though you may know or think that you’re the ideal applicant, you need to sell yourself; that is, find a way to make that known to potential employers.
“Even with a low unemployment rate, applicants will always face some kind of job market competition, particularly for the most desirable positions,” CareerCast’s report says.” To help you get a leg up, CareerCast.com spoke with job-market experts in different capacities for the most up-to-date job hunting advice and guidance for 2016.”
With input from a number of recruiting and hiring experts, CareerCast’s report outlines six bulletproof strategies you can employ in your job search to help get results. Working in concert with your established tactics, these should help you get a leg up on the competition.
Here are CareerCast’s suggestions.
1. Get creative
Your resume is your primary tool in your job search, and it should be constantly evolving and changing to make sure that it is up to date, memorable, and hard to ignore. CareerCast suggests trying to put together a graphical resume, which commands attention, and looks incredibly slick.
“If you are in a visual or presentation focus field it’s nice to present something a little more than Times New Roman,” Blue Fountain Media hiring manager Tom Duffy told CareerCast.
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2. Get out of your comfort zone
You’ll have to slog through the proverbial mud a bit, if you’re hoping to break new ground in your career. The fact is, most people aren’t willing to get out of their comfort zone, and those that do are able to open up new paths and doors that weren’t there before. If you truly want to see change, you’ll need to take bold steps – which includes vanquishing fears and self-doubt.
Get off the beaten path, and think of different approaches to old problems. That means getting a little dirty, sometimes.
3. Become a Networking Warrior
You’ve heard it before: it’s not what you know, it’s who you know. Though you may have been apprehensive or shy about networking, you need to start getting out there. That may mean giving your LinkedIn profile some serious work, or transforming yourself into a permanent fixture at local networking events. The fact is, employers hire based off of employee recommendations. You need to be one of those recommendations.
“If anybody who works at Blue Fountain Media refers someone, I’m going to call them,” Duffy told CareerCast. “[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][A referrer is] 1. Going to know if [a referral] might have the skills we’re looking for, and 2. We communicate as a sign of respect to current employees.”
4. Know your value
Knowing what you’re worth can be tricky, but with tools like PayScale, Glassdoor, and information from the government about your industry, it’s easier than ever. Just sit down and do some research – figure out what skills you have, and what they are potentially worth to a company in your industry. Recruiters know what you’re worth. So go in to a negotiation with realistic expectations.
5. Do your homework
Again – do some research ahead of time. That not only includes salary expectations, but digging into the details of the company that you’re applying to, the industry it’s in, and perhaps even the individuals you’ll be meeting if granted an interview. When preparing for the interview, make sure you have a plan to demonstrate how and why you’re the perfect fit, and discuss your skill set as it relates to what the company is looking for.
Be versatile, quick, and confident.
6. Be respectful
Above all, you need to have a good attitude when putting yourself on the job market. That doesn’t mean simply smiling and going through the motions, but also highlighting the positives from the job you’re leaving, and any other work experience – even though it may not have all been rosy. Employers don’t need to think that you’re going to quit after a year, and go trash them on the Internet and to others in the industry. Be respectful, and communicate that you’re the type of person they’ll want on staff.
https://www.firstsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/logo-min-300x123.jpg00First Sun Teamhttps://www.firstsun.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/logo-min-300x123.jpgFirst Sun Team2016-03-24 10:26:402020-09-30 20:53:31Your #Career : Looking for a Better Job? 6 Expert Job-Hunting Techniques…If you’re Sick of your Job, you’re Not Alone. A Full Quarter of America’s Workforce is Fed Up, & Either Actively Searching for Another Job, Or is at Least Giving it Some Serious Thought.
