This is the time of year when you are likely to receive two phases of emails, tweets and blog postings. Phase one (roundabout now) provides a handy list of the business tasks you can do whilst relatively undisturbed or less hectic with meetings. Phase two happens throughout January, and it includes 101 benefits and uses of setting goals and targets for the forthcoming year.
I would like to suggest an alternative to lining up these recommendations, lists and tasks – PAUSE AND LOOK AROUND YOU.
But I love my business
Most of us who run a business do. We have all heard some people in business saying “it’s not really a job, I would do it anyway”, and that may apply to you.
My invitation is to be really honest with yourself and become very aware of the things that you would love to do if your business disappeared for a month without any harm. If you need a help starting your awareness, try exploring the headings of leisure, sport, health, family, friends, your community.
What do I do?
Carry a notebook and pen (electronic stuff tends to have close work links so can be distracting), and as you spend more time thinking about non-business life, jot down the new things that you start to notice. Maybe “call old frinds2, “take a walk”, “read a book”, “try a new recipe”. You will gradually rediscover the activities you used to enjoy when you spent less time on the business.
Even better, instead of writing notes just get up and enjoy the reading, chatting, running or tasting.
What if I have a good business idea?
Well, make a note of it but resist the temptation to dash to the computer and act further. The idea will not get lost – just dealt with after your break.
What will the result be?
Strangely enough, this may take you back to the times of a junior employee – when a day off was a day off, a holiday was just that.
You may not start 2012 with goals or marketing plans, but you may just rediscover the reasons you do what you do and remind yourself what success actually means. That is worth quite a lot.
Whatever your faith or traditions, enjoy the festive break!
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