Let's consider a scenario. You are an entrepreneur, working tirelessly to establish your e-commerce business. Amid a plethora of assorted tasks that demand your attention, you find it challenging to prioritize your work, often missing out on calls to action. This frequently leads you to spiral into inefficient workflow and poor progress. The solution to this predicament lies in employing 'Forcing Functions'.
A forcing function is a mechanism that prevents the user from performing an undesirable or inefficient action by designing constraints or triggers. It forces a necessary behaviour or action, by making the alternative difficult or impossible.
Example 1: Software updates that require restart - you can't proceed with your work unless you update and restart your system. The operating system creates a forcing function.
Example 2: Deadline for submitting a project proposal - You would be out of business if you don't submit it before the deadline. Here, the hard deadline acts as the forcing function.
Example 3: Alarm clocks - One has to either snooze or turn it off, forcing us to interact with the device.
Forcing function:
Step 1: Identify critical tasks – Figure out what matters most for your business growth.
Step 2: Enforce deadlines – Deadlines work as a strong forcing function. Make strict schedules and stick to them.
Step 3: Set reminders – Use technology to keep yourself on toes. Digital reminders, prompt and push you to act.
Step 4: Seek accountability – Make commitments in front of your team or business partner. This creates a social forcing function.
By using forcing functions, your entrepreneurial journey can be more disciplined, productive, and successful. You effectively prioritize tasks, streamline actions, and enhance your performance and decision making.