Now that we’re into June, it really does feel like summer is here. The air conditioning kicks in, the days are hotter … and, if you’re like me, “focus” becomes something I have to set myself towards. It doesn’t just “happen” — especially when the days are hot. It might be simply because tax season is now fully behind us, and we’ve already turned the page into year-round work. No matter the fact that we work with our Sierra Madre clients all year, there really is something very focusing about that April 15th deadline every year (or the 18th, in this year’s case). But as I said: focus is a decision. And whether you’re an employee, retired, a Sierra Madre business owner, or some other vocational expression — really, WHOMEVER you are — living a life of intentionality has never been more difficult. Devices, screens, “the internet of things” — all of it is pulling against our mind, our imaginations and our wills. Much of that influence is very positive, obviously (who doesn’t love ordering food with a click and a swipe??) … but it’s probably no big surprise that this digitally-overwhelming world can be a little distracting. Yes, this topic isn’t *exactly* financial, and clearly not tax-related. I don’t pretend to be any kind of “life coach”. But we like to see our role here at Ross & Associates as more than merely transactional. We’re in your corner, for all kinds of decisions that affect your finances — and this issue can certainly become a financial drain as well. So again … focus is a decision. And here are some things that might be hurting it for you. Focus Training For Folks In Sierra Madre“What’s right isn’t always popular. What’s popular isn’t always right.” -Howard Cosell Just because you work harder doesn’t mean that you are accomplishing anything of actual significance. In fact, many times it’s the opposite. Busyness does NOT equal effectiveness. Sometimes, you find that you are “working harder” because you have fallen into a pit of poor productivity and efficiency. What I have found to be helpful is recognizing how there are certain habits and practices that are very likely sucking all of the life-force from your day’s productivity. As an idea starter for focus training, here are four things that very well might be killing your momentum. For you, these might not be an issue, so I urge you, therefore, to consider what really is robbing your attention these days. These are not all merely related to DIGITAL OVERLOAD, either. But all of them are decisions — those that are made, and those that are avoided. 1. App AddictionIf you’re constantly checking Facebook, answering or originating random text messages, or have any social media account alerts turned on, you’ll never be as productive as you could be. One simple way to decrease your Facebook use is to remove the app from your phone. Even if you just use the browser to access it, it’s that extra step or two that it requires that can help your weaker self resist the constant dopamine hit of social media activity. 2. Email AddictionTurn off your alerts here, too. Don’t leave your inbox continually open when you are engaged in real work. Because whenever you click on that “Get Mail” button, your brain drip feeds small doses of Something-Important-Is-About-To-Happen-Juice (i.e. dopamine). Except, it’s hardly ever actually urgent. It can usually wait for your actual focused attention. So try this out for just one week and see if you don’t accomplish more than you thought possible. 3. Other People’s EmergenciesEmergencies aside, send your calls to voicemail first and return them only during set times (and perhaps even state those times on your voicemail greeting). This has three instant benefits. First, it tells people you are a focused person, which they will respect and even appreciate. Second, it makes you a focused person — keeping you on task and freeing you from interruptions you can’t anticipate. Third, you can determine if you’re the right person to handle the call or if it can be delegated. 4. DelegationAs I’ve said, there is a big difference between being busy and being productive. Want to know where you’re just “busy”? Keep track of everything you do every 30 minutes, every day, for one week. Then take all the items that aren’t moving you toward your goals and stop doing them, delegate them to someone else, or hire someone to do them for you. What will you do with all that extra time? Concentrate only on activities and processes that make money or move you ahead. The key to more productivity is not more work. The key is more focus. Creating your “Not To Do” List will reset your priorities, refresh your morale, and could even remake your career. Don’t let your best energy be sucked out of your day. I’m grateful for our chance to serve you and your family  — and we are dedicated to your thriving. Which means we want to protect you from all of what could tear you down… Warmly, Rodney Ross(626) 357-9703Ross & Associates

Maybe I’m writing this today because we’re very much feeling the end-of-year crunch here at Team Ross & Associates Accountancy Corp. Really, we only have a few business days left before 2020 is in the rearview. Yes, my heart wants that to happen YESTERDAY, but my business brain wants it all. to. slow. down. Efficiency is on the brain for me. We have a bunch of clients emailing, especially Sierra Madre business owners, who want to make sure their PPP paperwork is done right, who want to make quick EOY moves (smartly), and some who are having to make very difficult decisions about shutting down operations, and the best way to do that. This year has been wild (to say the least). Just to recap, here is a quick-and-dirty list of EOY tax-related moves you can be making: Project your 2021 income (if you can) and adjust accordingly. Check your withholding. By now, probably just one more paycheck to get right. Spend down your FSA (if you have one). Give to charity — EVERYBODY (and I mean everybody) should give at least $300 — because even if you take the standard deduction, you can ALSO deduct up to $300 in charitable giving. Giving matters. Max out personal gifts — if you have means, you can give up to $15K tax free to a family member or friend. But that ends 12/31… as does your opportunity to max out workplace retirement accounts (if you have one). Also, last week I broke down the employee student loan repayment assistance in the CARES Act … and I dived into the code a little more, and realized there’s even better news: from what I can now gather, this provision applies not just to federal loans, but also to privately-refinanced ones as well. Which means that it’s even more broadly applicable. Could be a nice way to help your Los Angeles County employees … and to save big on taxes at the same time. These are the kinds of things Rodney really likes. 🙂 Shoot me a note or get on my calendar if you want to discuss any of the above before year end.626-357-9703 And, the other thing I REALLY like this time of year is, like I said, EFFICIENCY. I’m working on using these principles right now, and thought you might benefit from them too. Ross’ Guide To Getting Tasks Done“Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity.” -Henry van Dyke I’ve discovered a few tricks when it comes to getting tasks done through the day — and managing others who do so. Here are some little tactics I’ve found to be helpful:  Turn off cell phone alerts.Resist the temptation to stop what you’re doing every time your phone beeps with a new message. You’ll be better able to focus on tasks when you’re not constantly distracted and interrupted. Fine-tune your to-do list.When planning your day, add estimated times to each item on your to-do list. This will help you decide what to do first and what can be saved for later. Run two-minute drills.Every few hours, look at your list for tasks that can be done quickly–answering emails and phone calls, confirming appointments, and the like. Spend a few minutes clearing those away, and you’ll have more blocks of uninterrupted time to take on bigger tasks. Take regular breaks.You’ll burn out if you go full throttle for eight or 10 hours. Determine how long you can effectively concentrate on a single task (usually between 30 minutes and an hour, for most people). Take a break after that time–walk around, get out of the building, talk to coworkers–and you’ll return feeling refreshed. Let’s see if we can make these last couple weeks of 2020 create momentum that lasts into 2021, shall we? Get stuff done. To more of what’s yours, into your Sierra Madre business bottom line … Warmly,   Rodney Ross(626) 357-9703Ross & Associates Accountancy Corp   Feel free to share this article with a Sierra Madre area (or beyond!) business associate or client you know who could benefit from our assistance. While these particular articles usually relate to business strategy, as you know, we specialize in tax preparation and planning for families and business owners.