3 Watch Hacks to Boost Your Business
My story.
In 2016 when I had my second child I started doing something different when it comes to managing my time.
I started wearing a watch --and it's been a game changer these past two years!
Today, I’m going to share 3 of my favorite time-hacks with you so that you can be more productive in your life and in your business this week.
My 3 favorite tricks that I use to make the most of my watch are
TIP #1 // Put the Phone Down
Wearing my phone helps me check my phone for the time (and get sucked down the social media rabbit hole) way less. The trick here is you HAVE to put your phone away. If you’re consistently wearing a watch but also keep your phone in front of you then, out of habit, you’ll just check the phone for the time. And let’s be honest, what happens when we check our phone to see what time it is? We get distracted. At least I do. All of a sudden I’m scrolling on Instagram, and I’m like, “What am I here for? Oh yeah. I was just checking the time.”
It’s important to wear your watch but also to put your phone on timeout. In order to be more focused and not get distracted on your phone by using it to check the time, I suggest you put it somewhere out of sight, out of mind. I have different spots where I keep my phone and my favorite is to put it on the mantel right when I walk into my house. Don’t hesitate to put your phone on timeout.
Since I’ve done this it’s really helped me feel more in charge of my day and my time because I decide when to go on my phone and use it to make a call, check Facebook, whatever I may want to do. Instead of feeling like my phone is infringing on my schedule. It’s also why I keep all my notifications turned off, all the time, except for my texts and calls. Alerts feel like an interruption and for the last two years I’ve enjoyed deciding when I want to use my phone.
TIP #2 // Quick Breathing Exercise
I can hear the ticking on my watch and I love using the sound in order to guide my breathing exercise. At least once a day I do a breathing exercise. If I’m feeling overwhelmed or unfocused or frustrated it really helps me to move past the moment by returning to my breath in a really mindful way. Usually when I start this I breath in for 3 seconds (1 - 2 - 3) then out for 3 seconds (1 - 2- 3). My breathing may be shallow if I’m stressed or frustrated. Then I’ll close my eyes, take in deeper breaths focused on the tummy area and ribs.
Honestly, when I start it’s hard to breath in for 3 seconds and out for 3 seconds but I will do this a few times until I can get to 12. If you think I’m crazy and you’re like, “How can you breathe in for 12 seconds?” Trust me, just practice. If you give yourself a minute or two to do it you’ll find how easy it is to start controlling your breath, to breath slower and deeper in your belly.
By the time I get to twelve I feel like I’m basically floating in the ocean. I feel relaxed. I feel mindful. When I’m stressed I usually think, “I don’t have time for a breathing exercise,” but I do it anyway. Afterward I feel so much better and my thinking is clearer. I know it’s simple but it has been a game changer when I’m not in a good head space in my life or in my business.
TIP #3 // Micro Time Blocking
I’m sure you have heard of time blocking before, this is the mini version. It helps me get way more done in my life and in my business, especially when there’s something I want to procrastinate on. While time blocking is usually 1 or 2 hours dedicated to one thing without interruption, micro time blocking is a very small amount of time throughout the day. How it works: I’ll look at my watch and tell myself I’m going to do this ONE thing, whatever this thing is, for 10 minutes. It can be something like the dishes and I’m not in the mood to do them. So I tell myself, “You’re going to take 10 minutes to do the dishes.” Another example, in my business, is interacting on social media or engaging on Facebook but I don’t want to get sucked in or I’m not in the mood. I’ll tell myself, “Ok, ten minutes, how many people can I engage with and connect with and encourage on social media?”
Another way I use micro time blocking is for being mindful. You know when you’re on Instagram and 10 minutes goes by really fast? The opposite happens when I’m trying to be calm or mindful, the 10 minutes goes by really slow, but sometimes I feel like that’s what I need. So the small block of time helps me be faithful to the full 10 minutes.
I also do this with exercise. If I’m at the gym on an exercise bike I’ll tell myself, “I’m going to hit this for 10 minutes.” I really love using my watch throughout the day to set little goals and intentions for myself AND hit it. You’d be shocked to discover that the more you do this the more you build trust in yourself. And the more you do this the more you realize that when you want to do something you CAN do it. I don’t know about you but I can do almost anything for ten minutes. I can say, “You know what, I don’t want to do this but I know it’s good for me so this is what I’m going to do for 10 minutes.” Often, even if it takes longer than 10 minutes, once you’re able to get over the 10 minute hump you’re usually able to finish the task.
My Two Favorite Watches:
My favorite watch is the Timex Weekender. I usually get the men’s version, which is about $30. These are durable watches with a light up feature that I’ve used as a flashlight. The company’s customer service is great. I broke my watch early on and when I sent it in they replaced it. Timex has interchangeable wristbands, which makes them fun to customize and express your personality. My favorite wristband with this watch was found on Etsy -- check the video to see what it looked like.
Casio, which can be found anywhere from Amazon to Target for $10. I love the Casio because it’s super lightweight, which is great for when I work out. These are also really durable and waterproof.
Be sure to pick a watch that fits your personality!
Closing Thoughts:
Those are the three ways to make your week more productive and mindful with your watch.
If you’re a business owner or dream about having your own online business and are looking for support to make your time count, I’d love for you to join my FREE challenge that I’m hosting. “My Profitable Dream Week” will help you know exactly how to spend your time so that you can hit your big income goals even, if you only want to work 20 hours a week or less. Click here to join My Profitable Dream Week Challenge.
And I’d love to hear from you in the comments of these 3 tips, which are you going to try first? I’d love to hear it!