Be clear what you want

We’re in full swing of holiday season here in the UK with school holidays at least one week in now. But do we all feel in holiday mode? Are you taking time off this summer, or are you juggling business, family, friends and holidays? It can be frustrating having more things to juggle at this time of year can’t it?

Or, you can look on this time of year as a time of reflection, review, celebration and time out, before the next phase of the year starts. What are you choosing to do with your time this summer?

I’ve often felt frustrated in the summer months when I can’t “get on” with things as much as I’d like. It’s felt like my spirit has had to be tamed to suit those around me. However, now I’m a bit older and wiser, I know that I should never feel “tamed” in any part of my life. I can’t help who I am, or the vision I have, so why should I turn the volume down in the summer to suit others?

So, this year, I’ve been very clear with the family what I’m wanting to achieve & the hours I’m working each day. We’ve got a detailed family schedule for all of our work (eldest son has a part-time summer job), sports training, and social times. It’s not just for the purposes of menu planning or transport arrangements. It’s to make it clear that work time is work time, and if I’m called on to do other things, I won’t be able to achieve the work for my business, or my clients. My boys have started to equate my work “rewards” (income) with family treats, so they’ve got a better idea as to the impact their demands have on our overall family situation.

I know we have our own mind monkeys at work every day too. But what if you told them what your grand plan for these next few weeks is, and you harness their energy to get everything done you want to? Our monkeys are generally of “mediocre mind” as Einstein puts it aren’t they, and aren’t fully briefed on the bigger picture we’re working towards.

Be clear what you want

It’s not just distractions which prevent us from achieving what we want, or our own procrastination or mind monkeys. I believe it’s because we’re not clear enough what we want to achieve, and how we’re going to do it, in the time we have available to us. Oh yes, I always underestimate how long something’s going to take me, so I build in wriggle room now to my schedule! Do you?

Whether you have a team working with you in your business, or if you’re by yourself, this time of year can be crucial to meeting the targets you set yourself at the start of the year. Be clear with the time you have available for your business and make those around you aware of the importance of this time you’ve got and what it will mean to them if you’re able to complete the tasks you want.

Oh, and when it’s holiday time, please switch your technology off. That’s the benefit of a holiday. Total switch off. You’ll feel the benefit of it when you come back.

I’d love to hear how you’re managing the holiday season, particularly if you’ve got more people wanting your attention at this time of year. Maybe I could share your tips next week?

The Stay on Track programme has proved a popular support to business owners wanting support this summer. I’ve got just 3 places left now for 1-1 support for 6 weeks. You have 20 minutes a week for 6 weeks which keeps you focused and on track, putting things in place for when you’re back to full hours at the end of the school holidays. So if this would help you, please get in touch & book your place today, for just £132. [Those in the Business Cheerleading Club, are making the most of a group weekly programme]

If your not sure if this would help you, why not book a free Explore Call (20 minutes), and let’s work things through together.

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