Reclaim Your Focus: 5 Techniques for Entrepreneurs to Break Free from Autopilot

You wake up, and before your eyes are fully open, you grab your phone and start scrolling through social media content that, deep down, you don't really care about. But you do it anyway because that's your routine. As an entrepreneur, you might wonder: why can't you engage in a more productive activity? The answer lies in being caught up in autopilot mode. The more you operate on autopilot, the harder it becomes to break free from it. Living on autopilot means making automated decisions based on habits and routines without conscious thought.

A survey of 3,000 participants revealed that 96% admitted to making decisions on autopilot. This statistic is alarming for entrepreneurs who need to stay sharp and focused. It's crucial to take action against living like a robot as early as possible. Here are 5 easy tips to bring your conscious self back and improve your focus as a busy entrepreneur:

1. No Phone Within 1 Hour of Waking Up

As an entrepreneur, checking emails, messages, or social media first thing in the morning allows your mind to be easily distracted by external stimuli. You're essentially training your brain that it's normal to be distracted by unimportant things. This negative pattern becomes a habit, affecting your productivity throughout the day. Instead of scrolling mindlessly, use this time to plan your day, read industry news, or practice mindfulness.

2. Do Something You Would Never Do

Entrepreneurs often fall into routines, but it's essential to give your brain a metaphorical electric shock occasionally. Repeating the same activities makes them easier to follow, requiring less brain activity. The less you activate your brain, the more numbed it becomes. Try going on a last-minute business networking event, attending an unconventional workshop, or exploring a new potential market. Force your brain to feel the urgency that comes from uncertainty.

3. Switch Up Your Coffee Routine

As entrepreneurs, we often stick to our routines, including our choice of coffee. While consistency can be good, being too attached to specific objects can limit our perspective. Try a different type of coffee or even a new caffeinated beverage. This small change can remind you that you have the choice to enjoy variety in both your personal and professional life.

4. Meditate and Set an Intention for the Day

For entrepreneurs, setting a daily intention through a short morning meditation practice can be transformative. If we need to live outside our autopilot, it's better to program that mode with practical activities rather than harmful ones. Make meditation a habit by using the power of repetition. During your practice, set a deliberate purpose for your day. It could be as simple as "Practice active listening in meetings" or as challenging as "Identify one new business opportunity today."

5. Intentionally Break Your Daily Intention

Yes, you read that right. Once you've set an intention and succeeded for a while, knowingly break it. For example, if your intention was "Practice active listening in meetings" and you've been doing well until midday, it's time to take another deliberate decision to avoid falling into autopilot – break the intention! The goal is to remain aware and alert, regardless of what you're doing. Whether you're actively listening or allowing your mind to wander, if you're doing it out of habit, you're already on autopilot.

As entrepreneurs, we have a significant tendency to follow routines and create habits. Autopilot mode, when programmed correctly with productive habits like exercising, eating healthy, or reviewing business metrics, can be a great tool to improve your life and business. Nevertheless, acting from a low conscious state is risky for entrepreneurs who need to stay agile and innovative. So, even if it's a good decision or action, it's better not to sleepwalk into it but choose it with purpose. By implementing these strategies, you'll break free from autopilot, enhance your focus, and improve your mental wellbeing – all crucial elements for entrepreneurial success.