Creating Success Habits With Microsteps: A Solopreneur's Guide

Jul 03, 2019

Microsteps — they are a solopreneur's key to getting closer to success and balance. They kickstart your motives and get the momentum going until you get to where you want to be.

So you need a plan to get out of the rut you're in and go from stressed to systematized? The truth is, you're already running on a system, but not quite your best version yet. No matter the goal, the main intention is to create balance and unlock our greatest potential. Here are easy, actionable steps you can start right away:

1. Connect the habit you want to start with an established habit

Exercise — you know you need it to bring your A-game. But isn't it so hard to commit to? Put on your running shoes the moment you wake up. After you brush your teeth, get a 10-minute workout and you're done.

2. Replace screen time with a book

When you read, you invest in learning. It also pushes your mind to think and visualize. When you're bored, reach for a book instead of Netflix/YouTube/TV. Do the same when you're distracted. Instead of scrolling through social media, read a page or two.

3. Get visual

Map out your goals and workload on a visual board. Make it large scale and have a print-out version. A calendar or post-its work great too. When you see everything you have to do, that brings you into focus. You know you can't waste time.

4. Get into deep, undistracted work asap

Use your peak energy when it is available. Some do it right after waking up. Find the time that works for you. Begin with focused work on the first 120 minutes of your workday. No emails, no meetings, and no social media.

If you find it hard to get into focused work, you need to add pressure. Work at an expensive co-working space and get your juices flowing for 2 hours straight. Others get ideas at the final hour. While this can backfire, it may work for you.

5. Rethink Communication

Apps, social media, email, texts, calls, meetings, even gaming — all of these pull us in directions. Add face-to-face conversations and you're taking hours away from your work.

Going cold turkey may be a bad idea so opt to check email and notifications less often instead. Two to three times a day should be enough. If your business requires you to respond faster, consider using a social bot or Hootsuite. Otherwise, outsource.

Also, put time limits on important meetings. Some, you can do without.

6. Get into the habit of tracking

The surest way to stay motivated is to see your progress. A pound off your weight this week may seem diminutive, but not when you see that you lose weight every week. Track your diet, work output, and cash flow too. The more aspects of yourself you become aware of, the better you get at self-management. With progress comes momentum and you can later reassess yourself and your goals.

7. Delegate or say 'no'

Learn to say no to overwork. Don't accept last-minute tasks you can't handle. Don't be afraid to refuse an order if you know you can't comply. If you want to take in more jobs and orders, you need to learn to delegate. Expand your business with a manageable workforce, because you can't overstretch yourself.

Wrap Up

It's natural for solopreneurs to start on their own. It's even more common for us to think we have to do it all at all times. From the get-go, sure we can get by flying solo. But over time, we need to less of the low-impact activities and more of the high-value ones.

You can be less hands-on with your social media and email management once you outsource. But that’s so you can focus on the implementation of strategies and investing in yourself.