In the past we’ve a lot of written a lot about making mistakes, but now we want to focus on how we can improve and lessen the amount of mistakes we make. Mistakes are usually made because you may have overlooked one small detail due to a number of reasons. You may be working on more than one project, or wasted some time and now you’re in a rush to get things done. However, when it comes to pleasing a client and putting out amazing work you have to pay close attention details. Why? Because details matter. You’re never going to reach your full potential if you don’t make sure all specifics are taken care of, even minor ones. Paying attention to details is a skill set that everyone doesn’t posses, but it’s definitely one that can be taught and mastered.
1.Get Exercise
Exercise is not only great for keeping your body in shape, it also helps with mental stability. Exercising releases certain chemicals in the brain to help with your memory and your ability to stay focused. Also when you exercise it helps to relieve whatever is stressing you at the moment. Relieving stress is a big factor when it comes to having more focus when working on a project because once that stress is gone, your mind is now able to stop worrying on what was stressing and you and concentrate on the task at hand.
2.Scheduling
Scheduling is something I definitely need to work on myself. Having a routine that you follow daily keeps you on track. Keeping a schedule is key when staying on task and that is not solely when it comes to work. Scheduling effectively can transform your entire life. There are several time management tools that you can use to take control of your scheduling strategy, including the Better Than Success Time Management Tool.
3.Give Yourself Enough Time
This tip goes hand in hand with scheduling. Before you even start your work, you should always create a game plan to get the work done, and be sure to allocate enough time to effectively complete each task. Prioritize and try to complete the small tasks first. Try using David Allen’s, author of “Getting Things Done,” five-minute-rule. This rule states if you can complete something in five minutes or less, do it. Be careful about rushing yourself to get things done, however, which brings me to my next point.
4.DON’T Rush
When completing tasks it’s best not to rush. You don’t want to rush because you may overlook a major detail. Rushing a project, your mind is not thinking “oh I have to check this, I have to check that,” it’s more focused on getting it done. The focus becomes just completing it, as opposed to creating a great finished product. You never want to put out work just to say you did it, you always want to put out quality work. There’s a saying that you have to “Work smarter, not harder,” – I know you’ve heard once or twice before. So don’t rush, start working on the project a little early if necessary that way you’ll have time to go over it with a fine tooth comb.
5.Take Breaks
Sometimes it’s simply best to take a break from whatever you’re doing in order to regroup. As an artist I often get wrapped up in my work and just want to complete it before I move on to something else. However, I’ve been learning that is best for me to sometimes stop what I’m doing – whether I’m finished or not- and take a small break. Taking a break can assist with your time management skills as well because you won’t waste precious time constantly running in to a creative road block. Sometimes you can be so hooked on completing something that you don’t have anymore ideas to give. Instead of wasting time, just walk away. Walking away and coming back to a project with fresh eyes will ignite all types of new ideas.
6.Don’t Multitask
Although lots of people pride themselves on being able to multitask, it’s really not a good skill to have, especially when working on huge projects. When working on multiple projects its best to focus on one at time so you don’t confuse yourself. You can’t possibly go over all details for one project if your mind is focused on another. This is where making a list and planning comes into play. Using your list you can go from one project to the next with ease. So if you find yourself thinking about all the bills you have to pay while you’re grocery shopping, jot it down. That way, you’ll remember all the things you have to do without juggling too many tasks at once.
7.Limit Distractions
Distractions can come from anything or anyone. Phone calls, everything on the internet, that coworker who loves to talk, or even being hungry, which is worst than any of those things. If your mind is elsewhere when trying to complete your assignments at this point you’re distracted. If you’re distracted you are more likely to forget major details. So make sure you have something light to eat before getting to work, put your phone on silent and put it away, and that coworker you’ll have time to catch up after you get that project done. Distractions waste time and there’s not much time to be wasting.
8.Review! Review! Review!
At the end of each project, although you may think you’re done, you should go over it with a fine tooth comb. Have your list ready with all your specifics and make sure each every detail is accounted for. If you feel like there’s still something missing get a second opinion. Have a colleague or someone with unbiased eyes look over your work. Make sure you go over your project more than once and have someone else go over it once. A project is not complete until it is mistake free. Then and only then is it ready for your client to showcase to the world.
Food for Thought
In order for all of these ways to improve your focus to work, you must first take in to count that details matter. If you don’t have a clear understanding of that, that’s your first mistake. Secondly, exercising your mind is as important as exercising your body. Exercise your brain by reading or, playing games that require you to focus such as, puzzles, memory games, or finding the hidden object.
Once you’ve gotten the hang of staying focused and paying attention to details your entire life will change. These tips are beneficial for your detail skills as well as any other skills you may develop along the way to greatness. You will definitely become more efficient, productive and accurate when working on assignments. Also, you won’t have to deal with huge edits from clients, making them happy that you got it right the first time. Applying these tips will definitely make you a better artist and grow your business.
Now that you have all these amazing tips, it’s up to you to utilize them.
Happy Learning!
