We all know the Bees’ and Pauls’ of this world. How is it that we all have exactly the same number of hours in the day and yet some people get so much more done?
Having taken over the Painless Limited empire, I’ve had my first month of navigating through the additional responsibilities and I have really had to make sure that I am being my best productive self every step of the way.
During my travels this month, I had the opportunity to listen to hours and hours of motivational speakers. The inspiration for the topic for this month’s newsletter came from an interview of Steve McClatchy, author of Decide
Steve’s book is based on making a conscious decision about whether we do ‘gain’ tasks or ‘prevent pain’ tasks. Our brains are more sensitive to and naturally prioritise ‘prevent pain’ tasks. These tasks include our never-ending job list, firefighting – all the things we need to do to survive the day! They very often get done first and we run out of time for the ‘gain’ tasks.
The ‘gain’ tasks are those which lack urgency but once done have the potential to produce significant results and give us a sense of moving and improving rather than the feel of maintenance and the sense of never-ending which ‘prevent pain’ tasks give us.
So how do we make sure we focus on the ‘gain’ tasks? Here are a few of my insights having worked with many clients in this area over the years:
1) Be clear about what you want
Think about all the things you would like to be true about your life. Write them down. What would you like to achieve in business and in your personal life? We have found that by committing goals to paper, there is a far greater chance of achieving them and it gives you a framework to start living your life on purpose.
2) Identify the ‘gain’ tasks
Write a list of the ‘gain’ tasks required to achieve your goals. What are the actions you need to take to move in the direction of achieving your goals? Give yourself some deadlines too and think about the good habits that you can implement to give yourself the best chance of success.
3) Identify the ‘prevent pain’ tasks that you can delegate
Think about all the day to day activities you currently undertake. I love using the ‘Do, Ditch and Delegate’ framework. Be careful what you put on your ‘Do’ list – far too often we do things we think only we can do but it would actually be far better to delegate. Consider what your time is worth compared to the cost to delegate. What would be a better use of your time?
4) Schedule and protect time for gain tasks
Go back to your list of ‘gain’ tasks, open your diary and schedule specific time to get started on the ‘gain’ tasks. It takes a little more than just putting it in the diary – we have clients who block time out of their calendar to work on their practice rather than in it and until they use the ‘discipline’ muscle the time is at risk of being sucked up by ‘prevent pain’ tasks. How can you recognise the value of and fiercely protect the time set aside for ‘gain’ tasks?
Client Celebration 
Bridgeham Clinic
James and I were excited to visit the Bridgeham Clinic team in their amazing new location last Friday. There have been a lot of ‘prevent pain’ tasks along the journey but their focus and commitment to the ‘gain’ tasks have helped them realise their dream.
We feel honoured to be part of their journey and wish Trevor, Jo, Pauline (Wonder Woman!) and the brilliant Bridgeham team all the success they deserve. An award winning practice that has grown from strength to strength and continues to do so – well done team Bridgeham!
It is a huge pleasure for us to work with our clients and to see the progress made and it is all too often that we see our clients pushing themselves from one goal to the next without pausing to give themselves a pat on the back. So with your permission, we’ll be using this space to acknowledge and celebrate the successes along your journey.
Supplier Spotlight
Studio 18 Graphic design and website design agency
We have used Jon for our website design and have been more than delighted with the work he has done so we highly recommend him!
One of our client’s recently used him too – here’s what Jason Pinny of Northbeds Osteopaths had to say about Studio 18:
Jon Baverstock of Studio 18 designed and put together our practice website. His attention to detail was excellent and we really felt that he understood our needs fully. As well as providing us with a very well designed website, we also found Jon to be very patient and easy to work with. Jon also provided us with a brilliant copywriter who made more sense of our words. Since finishing the website and going live, Jon has always been available on the phone or by email for support. I believe that Jon Baverstock’s service is well worth his fees (which were explained in detail up front) and I cannot recommend him more highly.
CPD Diary
Events coming up
Join us for a day to work on your business, rather than just in it
We offer a wide variety of workshops to help you and your team on the business side of your practice. Visit our website to see all the events we have planned to host so far. Below is a snapshot of the events coming up:
Youshoot – easily promoting your clinic with online video
Social Media Strategy – Connect with and convert patients confidently online
Beyond Principals and Associates – an exploration of different ownership models
Creating a Business Strategy for Success- London
Creating a Business Strategy for Success – Leeds
Managing Staff and Associates – London
Practice Manager and Receptionist Customer Service – London (One place remaining!)
Success Clubs:
Our Success Clubs are entering their 7th year of success (!!) Members meet for a full-day workshop once a quarter and have the opportunity of interaction in-between as well as being invited to an annual national conference and a soon to start annual retreat. We have limited spaces available in our existing clubs and we are happy to start up clubs in new areas if the demand is there. Email Celia to find out where your closest club is or to register your interest for one in your area.
And last but not least…
glowing bulb among the gray
Some inspirational quotes and the lighter side of productivity, being busy and our precious time…
Never mistake motion for action, Ernest Hemingway
Those who are wise won’t be busy, and those who are too busy can’t be wise. Lin Yutang
When someone tells you they are too ‘busy’… It’s not a reflection of their schedule; it’s a reflection of YOUR spot on their schedule. Steve Maraboli
We are all time travelers moving at the speed of exactly 60 minutes per hour.
I’m great at multitasking. I can waste time, be unproductive, and procrastinate all at once And lastly, here’s one that I am sure James would have included:
Time waits for no man, time is obviously a woman
Celia Champion and the Painless Practice team
Our vision is to see you and your team enjoying your work and achieving your vision. Email us or give us a call today to find out how we can support you in getting there!
celia@painlesspractice.com 07717 843540
